Spinosad
The products have practically no odor. Its soil absorption is moderately strong and it degrades rapidly in the environment primarily through photolysis.
Spinosad has been formulated into two commercial products registered for use in commercial agriculture, including DowAgros' Conserve SC, and Entrust. Entrust is approved for use on USDA certified organic produce.
Spinosad is also the active ingredient in Comfortis, a chewable flea medication for pets.
It is acceptable in the organic program. It was developed from a living organism, has little to no toxicity and seems to work well. It is for sure better than diazinon, Dursban, orthene and the synthetic pyrethroids.
“Be very careful using these products, especially the liquid ones, because they are deadly to bees.”
Spinosad
| Pesticide Classification | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| __ Herbicide | __ Fungicide __Bactericide |
_X Insecticide/Miticide __ Molluscicide __ Repellent |
|
| Properties | Properties | Properties | |
| __ Selective __ Non-selective __ Pre-emergent __ Post-emergent __ Systemic __ Contact |
__ Broad Spectrum __ Specific __ Systemic __ Non-systemic __ Protectant __ Eradicant |
__ Synthetic _X Biological __ Oil __ Soap __ Botanical __ Other |
_X Broad-spectrum __ Specific __ Systemic _X Non-systemic _X Contact poison _X Stomach poison __ Other |
Common Brand Names:
- Bonide- Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew (Concentrate, RTS & RTU)
- Conserve® SC (Professional product)
- Ferti-lome Borer, Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar & Leaf miner Spray
- Ferti-lome Come and Get It Fire Ant Killer
- Monterey Garden Insect Spray
- Monterey Sluggo and Sluggo Plus
- Natural Guard Spinosad Landscape & Garden Insecticide RTS
- Safer Fire Ant Bait
Chemical Action and Usages: Spinosad is derived through the fermentation of a naturally occurring bacterium (Saccharopolyspora spinosa). It is highly effective at low rates, is active by ingestion and contact exposure but has less impact on certain predatory beneficial insects. It has a quicker speed of control when compared to most biological insect pest control products. Control by contact is highly effective but control via ingestion is 5-10 times more effective. Spinosad is labeled for use on vegetables, fruits, citrus, trees, shrubs, ornamentals and lawns. On vegetable, fruits and citrus it controls coddling moths on apples, caterpillars, asparagus beetles, thrips, leaf miners, Colorado potato beetle, listed borers and other listed pests. On lawns and ornamentals, it controls spider mites, thrips, fire ants, leaf miners, loopers, tent caterpillars, bagworms, sawflies and other listed insects.
Cautions/Instructions: Read the label carefully of the brand and formulation you have selected. Apply product according to the directions on the label. The spray formulation of Spinosad is highly toxic to beneficial bees. Do not apply this product when bees are active.
Toxicity: May cause eye irritation, but other wise non-toxic to humans. Spinosad is not acutely toxic to birds, wildlife or fish. Highly toxic to beneficial bees, but is negligible when applications are made when bee activity is low and the spray deposits have been allowed to dry. In 1999, Spinosad received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for chemical products that reduce negative impacts on human health and the environment.
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