EBS Molothion Malathion 50% Ec
1. Product Overview:
Malathion 50% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) is a broad-spectrum, contact, and stomach-action organophosphate insecticide widely used in agriculture for the control of sucking and chewing insect pests. It is also effective in public health programs for controlling disease-carrying vectors. The EC formulation ensures easy mixing, excellent solubility, and uniform coverage, making it highly effective for foliar applications. Malathion works by inhibiting key enzymes in the insect's nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
2. Mode of Action:
Malathion acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is essential for normal nerve signal transmission in insects. By blocking this enzyme, Malathion causes:
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Overstimulation of the nervous system: Leading to paralysis and death.
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Contact and stomach action: Pests die upon direct contact or after ingesting treated plant parts.
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Residual activity: Offers short-term protection against re-infestation.
3. Target Pests:
Malathion 50% EC effectively controls a wide range of insect pests, including:
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Aphids (Aphididae)
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Jassids (Cicadellidae)
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Thrips (Thripidae)
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Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae)
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Leafhoppers
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Fruit flies (Tephritidae)
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Mites (Tetranychidae)
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Mosquitoes (Anopheles, Aedes) – in public health applications
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Houseflies and fleas – in sanitation and vector control programs
4. Crops:
Malathion 50% EC is registered for use on various crops, including:
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Cotton: Controls aphids, jassids, and whiteflies.
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Vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal, Cabbage, Okra): Effective against aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.
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Fruits (Mango, Citrus, Grapes, Guava): Protects from fruit flies, scale insects, and aphids.
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Pulses (Chickpea, Lentil, Pigeon pea): Controls pod borers and sucking pests.
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Oilseeds (Groundnut, Mustard): Effective against leaf-eating caterpillars and aphids.
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Ornamental plants: Protects against sucking and chewing pests.
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Public health use: Applied for mosquito and fly control.
5. Application and Dosage:
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Foliar Spray: 1.0–2.0 ml per liter of water (depending on crop and pest intensity).
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Frequency: Apply at the first sign of infestation and repeat at 10–15 day intervals if necessary.
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Method: Spray evenly on both sides of the leaves, ensuring thorough coverage.
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Public health use: For mosquito control, apply at 5–10 ml per liter of water.
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Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): 7–14 days, depending on the crop.
6. Benefits:
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Broad-spectrum insect control: Effective against multiple sucking and chewing pests.
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Fast knockdown action: Provides quick paralysis and death of pests.
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Cost-effective: Affordable and widely used in both agriculture and public health programs.
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Residual activity: Provides short-term protection against pest resurgence.
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Compatibility: Can be tank-mixed with other pesticides and fertilizers (except alkaline products).
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Public health effectiveness: Controls mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes, helping prevent vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
7. Precautions and Safety:
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Use protective gear (gloves, mask, and goggles) during handling and application.
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Avoid spraying during flowering stages to protect pollinators like bees.
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Follow the recommended pre-harvest interval (PHI) to prevent residue issues.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and water sources.
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Avoid spraying near water bodies, as Malathion is highly toxic to aquatic organisms.
8. Environmental Impact:
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Toxicity: Highly toxic to bees, fish, and aquatic organisms.
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Persistence: It has moderate persistence in the environment but degrades relatively quickly in soil and water.
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Pollinator safety: To protect beneficial insects, avoid spraying during bloom periods.
✅ Conclusion:
Malathion 50% EC is a versatile and effective organophosphate insecticide that provides reliable control of a wide range of pests in agriculture and public health programs. Its broad-spectrum activity, fast knockdown effect, and affordability make it a popular choice for pest management. When applied correctly, it helps protect crops, improve yields, and reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases.
