The library · Insecticide
Malathion
An older organophosphate with a broad insect list and short residual.
- Group
- Insecticide Group 1B
- Family
- Organophosphates
- Formula
- C10H19O6PS2
- Molar mass
- 330.4 g/mol
- You may know it as
- Malathion 85E
- In Canada
- Some generics
Structure: PubChem CID 4004
How it kills
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Blocks the enzyme that clears nerve signals, so nerves keep firing.
Fast knockdown of the insects it reaches.
Works by contact with the insect, or when it feeds on treated leaves.
Where it fits
In the season.
Commonly used on
- Aphids
- Grasshoppers
Good to know
- Grain protectant products are labelled separately, and they cannot be used on canola in storage.
- Heavy rain or heat can shorten how long it lasts.
- Organophosphates carry strict handling and re-entry rules, and they are hard on bees. Read the label first.
