Malathion

Action/Use:

Insecticide

Use: For aphids, scale insects, spider mites and other insects on fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. ProStore* for stored grain pests.

Identification

Common Name(s): Malathion (ISO, BSI, ESA, USAN, USP, BAN); ; Mercaptothion (So. Africa); ; Carbofos (USSR); ; Mercaptotion (Argentina); ; Maldison (Australia, New Zealand)

Chemistry

Properties: Clear to amber liquid with a mercaptan odor. Specific gravity 1.23 at 25�C. Melting point 2.85�C. Vapor pressure 4 x 10^-5 mm Hg at 30�C. Miscible in most organic solvents; limited solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Mode of Action / Resistance Management

Chemical Group: Organophosphate

Mode of Action: Acetylcholine esterase inhibitor

Action Group: IRAC Group 1

Registration

U.S.A.: Following reregistration eligibility review in 2009, new use patterns have been approved for pome fruit, citrus and blueberry and new label language adopted for residential products to better protect the environment.

Outside U.S.A.: Luxathion* in South America. Malatop* in Spain.

Environmental Guidelines

Hazards: Fish: Toxic. LC₅₀ 200 ppm. (rainbow trout). Bee: Toxic

Water Solubility: 145 ppm

Safety Guidelines

Signal Word: CAUTION

Toxicity Class: III

Toxicity: Min. 95% Tech (Rat): Oral 5500 mg/kg. Dermal >2000 mg/kg. Inhalation (4 h) >5.2 mg/l

Handling/storage Cautions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated, secure area out of reach of children and animals. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Avoid contact with skin. Wash thoroughly after handling. Change contaminated clothing. Do not contaminate food or feed. Biological activity of malathion premium grade remains practically unvaried for 2 years if stored in unopened, undamaged original containers, in cool, shaded, well-ventilated area. Recommended 68-86�F (20-25�C) for good shelflife. Do not heat above 55�C. Above 100�C, decomposes rapidly and explosion may be induced

Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Chemical-resistant gloves. Chemical-resistant footwear plus socks. Protective eyewear.

Suppliers and Branded Products

Basic Producers:

Acme Organics Pvt. Ltd. (Acmala*)

Agriphar S.A. (Joseol*, Malathane*, Malathyne*)

Agro-Care Chemical Industry Group Limited (Mal-shon*)

Agropharm Ltd.

Aimco Pesticides Limited (Maltox*)

AnHui JuKai Agrochemical Co., Ltd.

Bayer CropScience (Malixol*)

Bharat Rasayan Ltd.

Biesterfeld U.S. Inc.