Pesticide produced from Saccharopolyspora spinosa that can effectively combat pests in many fruits and vegetables plantations. Traditional chemical pesticides negatively impact the environment and human health and allow pests to become resistant. Spinosad is readily biodegradable, has low mammalian and avian toxicity, and does not pose risks of groundwater contamination. Saccharopolyspora spinosa metabolizes spinosyn A and D (commonly known as Spinosad), which kills insects by attacking their neural systems. Despite having a low-toxicity to birds and mammals, Spinosad is still toxic to fish, but to a much smaller degree than with conventional chemical pesticides. The pesticide is also very effective and requires fewer applications.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 1999 Designing Greener Chemicals Award
