Chemical

Malathion

Common Name

Malathion (BSI, E-ISO, (m) F-ISO, ESA, BAN); maldison (Australia, New Zealand); malathon (JMAF); mer

CAS No.

121-75-5

CAS Name

Diethyl [(dimethoxyphosphinothioyl)thio]butanedioate

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₉O₆PS₂

Agrochemical Type

Insecticide/acaricide, organophosphate

Mode of Action

Non-systemic insecticide and acaricide with contact, stomach, and respiratory action.

Characteristics and Uses

Used to control Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera in a wide range of crops, including cotton, pome, soft and stone fruit, potatoes, rice and vegetables. Used extensively to control major arthropod disease vectors (Culicidae) in public health programmes, ectoparasites (Diptera, Acari, Mallophaga) of cattle, poultry, dogs and cats, human head and body lice (Anoplura), household insects (Diptera, Orthoptera), and for the protection of stored grain. Typical application rates for agricultural uses 0.5-1.25 kg/ha.