Market Readiness Analysis

4.1.4 Pesticides
Since the bulk of the end users (i.e. farmers) are of limited education, pesticides
are of the hardest products to study. Indeed, given that the concept of
sustainability is out of their humble understanding, their utmost concern is
efficiency, effectiveness and the costs of such products. However the experts in
the pesticides category are aware of its sustainability issues but still an almost
complete absence of a clear labeling scheme in the Lebanese market.
Internationally the sustainability aspect is well explored.
4.1.4.1 Sustainable Category Products
a- Bacillus Thuringiensis
Bacillus Thuringiensis (or Bt) is a Gram-positive, soil-dwelling
bacterium, commonly used as a biological alternative to a pesticide;
alternatively, the Cry toxin may be extracted and used as a pesticide.
Bacillus Thuringiensis also occurs naturally in the gut of caterpillars of
various types of moths and butterflies, as well as on the dark surface of
plants.
During sporulation many Bt strains produce crystal proteins
(proteinaceous inclusions), called δ-endotoxins, that have insecticidal
action. This has led to their use as insecticides, and more recently to
genetically modified crops using Bt genes. There are however many
crystal-producing Bt strains that do not have insecticidal properties.
b- Pyrethrin
It is derived from certain chrysanthemum flowers. It is a non-systemic
insecticide with contact action. Normally, combined with synergists it
increase insects toxicity.
Pyrethrin attacks the nerves, causing paralysis followed by death.
Pyrethrins knock insects down quickly, hence their use indoors to
control nuisance insects.
Pyrethrins alone provide limited crop protection because they break
down quickly. The many product labels list a wide range of insects and
mites in public health, indoor/outdoor plants, food/feed storage areas,
animal houses, on domestic and farm animals.
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