Trichlorfon

Pure product is white crystal with not unpleasant odor. Melting point 83~84 °C, relative density 1.73 (20 °C), vapor pressure 0.21 mPa (20 °C), Henry's constant 4.4×10-7 Pa - m3 /mol (20 °C), Kow logP 0.43 (20 °C).

Trichlorfon is an efficient and low-toxicity insecticide with strong stomach poison and poisoning effect and fumigation property. It is most effective against Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. It is mainly used to prevent and control chewing mouthparts on vegetables, fruit trees, tea, mulberry, cotton and grain crops, and also used to prevent and control sanitary pests.

Trichlorfon is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in agriculture, public health, and veterinary medicine. Known for its effectiveness against a broad range of pests, Trichlorfon is primarily employed to control chewing and sucking insects in crops, as well as parasites in livestock and aquaculture.

Key Features

1. Broad-Spectrum Control: Effective against various insect pests, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies.

2. Fast-Acting: Provides rapid knockdown of pests.

3. Versatile Application: Suitable for use in crops, animal husbandry, and pest control programs.

4. Systemic Action: Absorbed by plants and animals, providing internal protection.

Applications

Target Pests

• Lepidopteran larvae (e.g., armyworms, cutworms)

• Coleopteran pests (e.g., beetles)

• Flies (e.g., houseflies, fruit flies)

• Aquatic parasites (e.g., fish lice)

Crops Treated

• Fruits (e.g., citrus, apples, grapes)

• Vegetables (e.g., cabbage, tomatoes)

• Field crops (e.g., rice, corn)

• Turf and ornamental plants

Veterinary and Public Health Uses

• Control of ectoparasites in livestock (e.g., fleas, ticks)

• Treatment of fish parasites in aquaculture

• Control of household pests such as cockroaches and ants

Mechanism of Action

Trichlorfon inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme essential for normal nerve function in insects. This disruption causes an accumulation of acetylcholine, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system, paralysis, and death of the pest.

Advantages

1. Quick Knockdown: Provides immediate pest control.

2. Broad Usage: Effective in multiple environments, from agriculture to aquaculture.

3. Systemic and Contact Activity: Offers flexibility in pest management.

4. Cost-Effective: Widely available and economical compared to some alternatives.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling and Storage

• Use protective equipment during application.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and water.

Environmental Impact

• Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; avoid runoff into water bodies.

• Non-Target Safety: Can harm beneficial insects; apply with caution to minimize impact.

Regulatory Compliance

• Follow all label instructions and adhere to local regulations for safe use.

Limitations

1. Toxicity Concerns: Higher toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans, if mishandled.

2. Resistance Development: Overuse may lead to resistance in pest populations.

3. Short Residual Activity: Requires frequent applications for long-term control.

Conclusion

Trichlorfon is a highly effective insecticide for managing a wide range of pests in agricultural, veterinary, and public health settings. However, its use requires careful handling and adherence to environmental safety practices to minimize risks to non-target organisms and the environment. Proper application and integration into pest management programs can maximize its benefits while reducing potential drawbacks.