CAAP-V is an organic pesticide for agricultural as well as domestic usage which works in an environment-friendly manner against a vast majority of insects and animal pests that inflict most crops. It is particularly effective against soft-bodied insects such as aphids, slugs and larvae. This pesticide is derived from a dilute solution of Capsaicin Olefin, an organic derivative of the common chilli, Capsicum annuum. The compound capsaicin is a cyclic amide with chemical formula C18 H27 N03, which is soluble in non-polar solvents, especially those of organic nature, such as acetone and alcohols. I extracted capsaicin from chillies by placing them in a hypotonic solution of methanol, a l° alcohol, and allowing the extract to diffuse (See process flow chart for details). The solution so obtained is filtered and them diluted in water to a 20% solution, by volume. This is the finished product, to be sprayed on crops and plants to prevent damage from insects. CAAP-V works by making the plants unpalatable to most pests. The organic solvent used is highly volatile and evaporates almost immediately after application, leaving behind a thin coating of capsaicin which acts as a deterrent for insects, mammals and to a limited extent, fungi. It is recommended for non-edible plants due to the spicy taste left behind by capsaicin, which may change the taste of food crops.
