Formula C4H10NO3PS | Density 1.4 g/cm³ | |
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What does acephate mean
Acephate is an organophosphate foliar insecticide of moderate persistence with residual systemic activity of about 10–15 days at the recommended use rate. It is used primarily for control of aphids, including resistant species, in vegetables (e.g. potatoes, carrots, greenhouse tomatoes, and lettuce) and in horticulture (e.g. on roses and greenhouse ornamentals). It also controls leaf miners, caterpillars, sawflies and thrips in the previously stated crops as well as turf, and forestry. By direct application to mounds, it is effective in destroying imported fire ants.
Contents
Acephate is sold as a soluble powder, as emulsifiable concentrates, as pressurized aerosol, and in tree injection systems and granular formulations.
As of 2012, the EPA no longer allows the usage of acephate on green beans grown in the United States.
Toxicology
It is considered non-phytotoxic on many crop plants. Acephate and its primary metabolite, methamidophos, are toxic to Heliothis spp. that are considered resistant to other organophosphate insecticides. Acephate emits toxic fumes of various oxides of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur when heated to decomposition. Symptoms of exposure to acephate include a slight irritation of eyes and skin.
The U.S. annually uses 4–5 million pounds of acephate. However, even in small quantities, acephate throws off the navigation systems of white-throated sparrows and other songbirds, making them unable to tell north from south.