Definition - What does Acephate mean?
Acephate is an organophosphate insecticide commonly used in greenhouses and on golf courses a like. It's considered a foliar product, meaning it is sprayed directly onto the plants.
Acephate is best used about two weeks prior to the consumption or harvesting of edible crops. It is a residual systemic product, meaning some form of acephate enters the plant itself.
In some cases, acephate can also be used as a seed treatment on citrus trees and other types of food crops. This insecticide is available in water-soluble packets, tablets, granules, liquids, and powders. It is most often used to control and prevent aphids.
MaximumYield explains Acephate
Acephate has been shown to be very efficient in the treatment of resistant pests that affect lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. It can also be used in horticulture to treat more delicate flowers such as roses or various types of greenhouse ornamentals. It can even be injected into tree trunks.
Acephate is commonly used to control thrips, sawflies, caterpillars, imported fire ants, leaf miners, and several other types of insects.
As far as its toxicity is concerned, acephate can be safely applied on several types of edible crops because it is classified as non-phytotoxic. However, when heated to decomposition, this substance does emit toxic fumes that contain sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus. In addition, its negative effect on nearby wildlife, especially birds, is a contentious issue.