Acephate

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.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

How to quickly check pipettes?

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

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 phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides when heated to decomposition. Symptoms of exposure to acephate include a slight irritation of eyes and skin. Acephate comes in soluble powder, emulsifiable concentrates, pressurized aerosal, tree injection systems and granular formulations.

Further reading:

• Acephate General Fact Sheet - National Pesticide Information Center
• Acephate Pesticide Information Profile - Extension Toxicology Network
• EPA Acephate Reregistration Eligibility Decision

Sources:

U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs.

Extension Toxicology Network. Pesticide Information Profiles.

Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis.

Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University.