School Science Lessons
School food gardens for tropical regions
2012-05-12 SPwp
Please send comments to: J.Elfick@uq.edu.au
Preface
Before teaching this project, discuss the content of the lessons with a field officer of the Ministry of
Agriculture and get advice on planting material, planting distances, site for planting, approved mulch,
composting, and control of pests and diseases. Use only the procedures, agricultural chemicals and
insecticides recommended by the local field officer of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Table of contents
16.13.6.0 Fungicides
16.13.7.0 Herbicides
16.13.0 Pesticides
16.13.6.0 Fungicides
16.13.6 Benomyl
16.13.6.2 Bordeaux mixture
16.13.6.3 Captan
16.13.6.4 Copper oxychloride
16.13.6.5 Chlorothalonil
16.13.60 Lime sulfur
16.13.6.7 Metam
16.13.6.8 Quintozene
16.13.6.9 Sulfur
16.13.6.10 "Yates Anti Rot Phosacid"
16.13.10 Zineb
16.13.7.0 Herbicides
16.13.7.0 Herbicides (weedicides)
16.13.7.6 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-D, C8H6Cl2O3
16.13.11 2,4,5-T, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, banned synthetic auxin herbicide,
dioxin contamination
16.13.7.1 Bifenox
16.13.7.2 Dalapon
16.13.7.3 Glyphosate
16.13.7.5 MCPA
16.13.7.4 Paraquat
16.13.3.0 Organochlorine insecticides
16.13.3.0 Organochlorine insecticides, organochlorides, chlorinated hydrocarbons
16.13.4.01 Chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor
16.13.3.1 DDT
16.13.3.3 Lindane, gammexane, BHC, benzene hexachloride
16.13.3.2 Methoxychlor
16.13.3.2.1 Piperonyl butoxide
16.13.4.0 Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
16.13.4.0 Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
16.13.4.1 Acephate
16.13.7 Carbamates, Carbaryl, Bendiocarb
16.13.4.8 Carbamates, Methiocarb
16.13.4.2 Dimethoate
16.13.2 Malathion, Maldison
16.13.4.4 Naled
16.13.4.5 Tetrachlorvinphos
16.13.4.6 Trichlorophon
16.13.0 Pesticides
16.13.5 Acaricides
16.13.8.5 Chemical pesticides, poisons
16.13.8.4 Integrated pest management (IPM)
16.13.2.0 Inorganic chemical insecticides
5.20 Insect pests of plants
16.13.8 Insect repellents
16.13.8.2 Nematode pests
16.13.3.0 Organochlorine insecticides
16.13.4.0 Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
16.13.1.0 Plant extract insecticides, home-made insecticides, white oils
16.13.1.0 Plant extract insecticides
16.13.1.1 Pyrethrin, Plant extract insecticide
16.13.1.2 Rotenone
16.13.0 Pesticides and herbicides
See 16.13.1.0: Plant extracts | See also 6.9.18.0: Prepare pesticides
Insecticides can be divided into stomach poisons that require ingestion, contact poisons that are
absorbed through the cuticle and fumigant gases that must be breathed in.
Pesticides used in schools
1. The contents below are for information only and do not constitute advice on how any particular
agricultural chemical should be used in any school garden. Before using any agricultural chemical in a
school garden the supervisor should obtain advice from a Field Officer of the Department of Agriculture
and should obtain permission from the school principal.
2. The following pesticides are too dangerous for use in school food gardens:
2.1 Organochlorine compounds: DDT, benzene hexachloride (Lindane, gammexane BHC),
aldrin (chlordane, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, endrin),
2.2. Organophosphorus insecticides: chlorpyrifos, parathion, malathion, dimethoate, dichlorvos,
mevinphos.
16.13.1.0 Plant extract insecticides, home-made insecticides, white oils
1. Chilli spray contain an organic compound which repels insects. Grind chillies, but be careful not to put
it in your eyes, and add soapy water or detergent as a sticker. Spray on leafy vegetables. Repeat the
spray regularly.
2. Soak garlic and onion in hot water. Garlic oil may be effective against the larvae of mosquitoes and
houseflies.
3. Nicotine
See diagram 16.13.1.0 3.: Nicotine
Tobacco water, cigarette butt water, colour of brown tea, kills underground pests Nicotine is an organic
compound obtained from the leaf of the tobacco plant. It can be made by putting non-filter cigarette butts
in hot water. This poison is a stomach poison for many insects. Nicotine chemical is too dangerous for use
in schools.
4. White cabbage moth deterrent
Boil lettuce leaves and use the solution on cabbages, cauliflower, Brussels sprout.
5. Sooty mould
Add 5 mL of cooking oil + 5 mL household detergent + 500 mL of water. Use solution as a spray.
6. Aphid, slug, beetle deterrent
Mix 3 cloves of macerated garlic + 5 mL of household detergent + 500 mL of water. Use solution as a
spray.
7. Black spot on roses
Mix 4 mL of sunflower oil + 10 cc sodium bicarbonate + 1 drop household detergent + 1 litre of water.
Use solution as a spray.
8. General contact sprays
1. Use 1 teaspoon (about 5 mL) liquid dishwashing detergent (as a wetting agent), 1 cup (about 200 mL)
vegetable oil, 1 quart about 1 litre) tap water all purpose spray for mites, aphids.
It is a contact insecticide so it must contact all the insects. Test it first on small leaves because it may
cause leaf tip burn. Some people prefer soap suds, using soft potassium soap, instead of dishwashing
detergent. Also some people add ammonia or vinegar to attack scale insects.
3. Use 2 cups vegetable oil + 1/4 cup of dishwashing detergent in blender to form the concentrate
then  use 1 tablespoon to 1 litre of water. spray both sides of leaves until all leaves are dripping wet
3. Use 160 mL dishwashing liquid + 15 mL glycerine in 4 L water
4. Use 4 parts vegetable oil, e.g. canola + 1 part dish-washing detergent, blend in electric blender until
homogeneous, dilute 1:50 with water, spray from above and below
5. Use 750 mL canola oil + 45 mL detergent, e.g. "Sill" + 1250 mL water
6. Use 300 mL canola white oil + 300 mL vinegar + 300 mL water 4 + "Alginox" to kill algae.
Spray during overcast weather or in the evening.
7. Use commercial white oil for scale insects, aphids, smooth skinned caterpillars, mites,
young grasshoppers, citrus leaf miner,  mealybugs, mites on roses, ornamentals, citrus, fruit trees.
White oil contains petroleum distillates oil in dewaxed light paraffin emulsifiers. Spray white oil every 4
weeks. Do not store above 35oC. Do not use on citrus late autumn / winter and use not later than 1
day before edible harvest. Small insects suffocate when bodies covered. White oil is more expensive
than the above general contact sprays.
8. Use 45 mL sodium bicarbonate + 35 ml white oil + 4.5 litres of water, spray weekly, saturate the
leaves until runoff, for aphids, black spot, powdery mildew
9.0 Other sprays
1. Rubbing alcohol + half cup of hot water + particles of pepper, filter off particles
2. Lime sulfur, (it may stain paint)
3. Sabadilla lily for stink bugs
4. Crushed tomato leaves contain solanine, fungicide, hot water + corn starch + 2 cups tomato leaf
puree + 5 pints of water
5. Rotenone from derris dust, kills aphids, thrips, chewing insects, toxic to fish, birds
6. Talcum powder for corn ear worm
7. Rhubarb leaves chopped into quart boiling water
8. Garlic and red pepper spray
9. Spearmint leaves spray
10. Sprays using nettle, eucalyptus, nicotine, basil leaves against aphids
11 Mature compost soaked in water, then filter water and use as spray water
16.13.1.1 Pyrethrins
See diagram 16.13.1: Pyrethrin
Pyrethrins are two almost identical organic compounds extracted from the pyrethrum flower
Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. Pyrethrins have an immediate “knock down” effect on flying insects,
but a second poison may be needed to kill them. They have low toxicity to mammals. Allethrin
insecticide is an organic compound which is the same as pyrethrin but made in a factory. Permethrin is an
organic compound which is similar to Pyrethrin but is made in a factory. Chilli, pyrethrin and permethrin
are stomach poisons and contact insecticides. They are safe to use, but some people are made sick by
them. They are not persistent and there is no withholding period. These poisons kill most pests quickly
and so are called knockdown sprays. They also repel insects, stopping them from coming near plants.
16.13.1.2 Rotenone, derris
See diagram 16.13.1.2: Rotenone
Rotenone is an organic compound obtained from roots of the legume Derris and other local bean plants.
This chemical is a contact and stomach poison. Rotenone can be used to repel insects and as an
acaracide. It is often used to kill fish. It can also affect pigs. It is effective for short periods only because
it is broken down by oxygen and sunlight. It is not persistent and must be sprayed every three days. It
does not store well. This is a good insecticide but repeated applications are needed. If applied as "derris
dust" the plant leaves must not be too shaded. Insects are never resistant to this poison. It can control
beetles, weevils, slugs, looper caterpillars, thrips, flies. Rotenone is also used to poison fish.
Rotenoids are natural substances, with a cis-fused tetrahydrochromeno [3,4-b] chromene nucleus,
e.g. rotenone insecticide from Derris sp.
16.13.2.0 Inorganic chemical insecticides
These chemicals are persistent stomach poisons that kill chewing insects, e.g. caterpillars but not sucking
insects, e.g. aphids, mosquitoes. Other inorganic chemicals are used as attractants, repellents and
synergists. Inorganic insecticides are usually heavy metal compounds, particularly of lead, mercury,
arsenic and antimony. Also, some are fluoride salts, e.g. NaF, sulfur, polysulfides and borax.
1. Borax (Na2B4O7) is used as a cockroach and ant poison and is harmful to mammals.
2. Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) is used to preserve fence posts and garden furniture giving a green
colour. Such treated timber is safe for normal use but the sawdust and smoke from burning may contain
dangerous levels of arsenic. The white powder seen on some newly purchased timber is probably
harmless sodium sulfate.
3. Copper (II) sulfate and lime is used in Bordeaux mixture. Copper (II) sulfate can causes vomiting.
4. Lead arsenate (PbHAsO4) is a heavy metal compound that is insoluble in water and so not readily
absorbed by plants on contact. It is effective only by ingestion. The lead blocks essential sites on enzymes
and so it is non-specific. It is toxic to all living systems and extremely persistent. Sodium arsenite is no
longer used as a cattle dip against ticks.
5. Sodium fluoride (NaF) and cryolite (Na3AlF6) liberates fluoride ions to precipitate Mg2+ as
fluorophosphate thus affecting magnesium dependent enzymes. It is non-specific and toxic to animals.
6. Sulfur as elemental sulfur, S, and the soluble lime sulfur (CaS) experiences aerial oxidation to SO2, to
act as a safe fungicide and acaricide. It has some use as an insecticide.
7. Petroleum oils, petroleum oil spray (PSO) are also "white oil", and "summer oil", and "winter oil".
These chemicals are poisonous to some scale insects. They are fairly safe to use. There should be a 1 day
withholding period before harvest of the sprayed crop. their classification is based on the temperature at
which 5% of the constituents boil, e.g. C21, C23, C24 oils. The latter has less phytotoxicity. The oil
droplets on the plant must all join together to kill all the insect pests.
These oils are used in 2 ways:
1. They can control scale insects on citrus trees.
2. They can be mixed with other insecticides such as Carbaryl to spread them better on plants.
Concentrations: 0.25% = 250 mL oil in 100 L water, 2% = 2 L oil in 100 L water.
16.13.3.0 Organochlorine compounds, organochlorides (chlorinated hydrocarbons)
See 13.1.6: Chlorine gas, Cl2
The following organochlorine compounds have been banned in Australia and must not be used
in schools: Aldrin. BHC, Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Hexachlorophene,
Isodrin, Lindane, Pentachlorophenol, 2,4,5-T.
Organochlorines are composed only of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. They are biologically very active
but not easy to breakdown, hence persistent. They have one or more chlorine atoms attached to the
carbon atoms, replacing hydrogen. The term organochlorine refers to a wide range of organic chemicals,
which contain chlorine and sometimes several other elements that have been used in Australia as
herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and industrial chemicals, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). They
are very stable compounds that can be distributed in the environment where they persist long after their
original use.
They degrade slowly and being fat soluble, accumulate in the food chain, eventually ending up in the fat of
your body. Key properties of organochlorines which cause concerns are persistence and toxicity. While
organochlorine pesticides were manufactured for their toxicity, the fact that they were also persistent had
advantages in that they remained effective against target pests for prolonged periods. used to protect
crops, livestock, buildings and households from the damaging effects of insects. Commonly used OCP
insecticides were DDT, Lindane, chlordane, dieldrin, aldrin and heptachlor. Fungicides included
hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and chlorinated phenols such as pentachlorophenol. Herbicide 2, 4, 5 -T was
also used. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) used in the past as a fungicide (seed disinfectant, seed paint) but
now banned in Australia, appears as a widespread contaminant in many environments. It was
deregistered for general use between 1985 and 1987. Chlorinated phenols such as pentachlorophenol
(PCP) have been widely used in Australia to protect softwood timber from decay. 2, 4, 5-T was used in
the past as a herbicide against broad leaf woody plants, as a defoliant. The use of almost all the
chemicals mentioned above is now banned in Australia..
16.13.3.1 DDT
The new chemical name is 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane. The old name was
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hence "DDT". DDT is a organochlorine contact insecticide that kills by
acting as a nerve poison is a highly effective insecticide, both by contact and by ingestion, and is of very
low toxicity to mammals. It is odourless and tasteless, has a high persistence, and is chemically stable.
However, insects can develop resistance to DDT by natural selection of surviving members with enzymes
that can detoxify it. DDT and its metabolic breakdown product can accumulate in the fat of birds and fish,
and even people, at the end of the food chain. It may cause birds to produce thin shell eggs that break
easily. So the advantage of it being chemically stable is now seen as a major disadvantage. It was also
used in large quantities in the control of mosquitoes which caused malaria in tropical countries. There has
been a total ban on the use of DDT in Australia since 1987. the technical product "DDT" which is a
mixture of isomers, principally p,p'-DDT, with lesser amounts of o,p'-DDT (isomers are chemicals with
the same molecular make-up, but with differing three-dimensional structure). Small amounts of the
breakdown products DDD and DDE can also be found in the formulation. Once stored in fatty tissue,
DDT residues are sequestrated and stabilized unless they are mobilized either through lactation or
significant weight loss, which burns fat DDT, DDD and DDE are all strongly suspected of being
environmental endocrine disrupters (chemicals that affect the hormonal system).
16.13.3.2 Methoxychlor
See diagram 16.2.2: Methoxychlor
It is an organic compound, containing chlorine. It is a contact and stomach poison, very safe to use, and
has long persistence. Methoxychlor is pale yellow powder and has a fruity or musty odour. It is used to
kill flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, chiggers and others. Methoxychlor is a general insecticide for food
crops, household pests, farm animals, pets and grain storage. Available as W.P., E.C., dusts and in
aerosol cans. Methoxychlor is a biodegradable analogue of DDT. While non-polar compounds, e.g. DDT,
stay dissolved in the fat of the body, polar substances, e.g. methoxychlor, are water soluble and can be
excreted to be further attacked by other organisms. DDT and pyrethrins keep open the sodium channel
of the insect nerve cell, but not the mammal nerve cell, so sodium ions to leak in causing continuous
transmission of nerve impulses and the insect dies of exhaustion. You can observe the frantic activity of
house flies sprayed with DDT. When DDT sprays were introduced an advertisement stated “They fly
outside to die”. Methoxychlor can enter your body when you breathe contaminated air, eat contaminated
food, get it on your skin and use gardening products or pet sprays. High doses of methoxychlor could
cause damage to the nervous system but low levels of methoxychlor will leave the body so quickly that
this type of damage is not likely. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a reference
dose (RfD) for methoxychlor at 0.005 milligrams per day.
16.13.3.2.1 Piperonyl butoxide
See diagram 16.2.2: Piperonyl butoxide
DDT, methoxychlor, and pyrethrins are more efficient if piperonyl butoxide is added to the insecticide to
give a synergistic effect. This additive is not itself an insecticide but deactivates enzymes for detoxification
of the pesticide in the insect.
16.13.3.3 Lindane, gammexane, BHC, benzene hexachloride
See diagram 16.3.3.3: Benzene hexachloride
Lindane, gammexane, BHC (benzene hexachloride) is an insecticide with different names made by the
addition of chlorine to benzene in light. The 7-isomer is the insecticide of the nine isomers formed.
Detoxification is by elimination of HCl. Lindane has been used to treat lice in children. The insecticide
Lindane is more than 5-20 times more toxic to insects than DDT. It was mainly used against plant eating
insects, but had various medical and veterinary applications in treating skin parasites. More specifically, it
was used in the control of insect pests in stored seed to control white grubs in pineapples, against
ectoparasites on food, and head lice in humans. It was deregistered for general use in 1985. Lindane is a
chemical that kills insects, including head lice. was the active ingredient in lice shampoo, which is no
longer sold. Generic Lindane is still available by prescription for head lice. Shampoo with Lindane can be
dangerous if swallowed, especially for children. It appears that Lindane is not as effective against lice as
it once was. One of the safest and most effective methods for controlling head lice is by combing hair with
a good lice comb with 3 or 4 rows of closely-spaced metal teeth.
16.13.4.0 Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
See diagram 16.13.2: Organophosphorus insecticides
High persistence chlorinated pesticides are being replaced by the organophosphorus group that has a
range of activity, persistence, specificity and function. Their general formula is (RR'X) P = 0, where R
and R' are short chain groups and X is a leaving group that it is easily removed from the molecule either
after a reaction in the body so persistence is reduced, e.g. Carbaryl.
16.13.4.01 Chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor
See diagram 16.13.4: Chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, endosulfan
Aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin. heptachlor, and endrin are a closely related group made by the Diels-Alder
reaction with alkenes from hexachloro-cyclopentadiene. They are broad spectrum insecticides, highly
toxic to insects and mammals, and with high persistence. They also accumulate in body fats and act on
the central nervous system. The compound may itself be non-toxic but is converted to a toxic form in the
body. They remain in the mammal body, measured as a half residence time, to be detoxified in the liver
and excreted by the kidneys but leaving some stored in body fat to be released during illness, stress and
lactation, maternal milk. Aldrin and dieldrin have not been produced in the United States since 1974.
Aldrin was manufactured by the Diels-Alder condensation of hexachlorocyclopentadiene with
bicyclo[2.2.1]-2,5-heptadiene.
Dieldrin was manufactured by the epoxidation of aldrin by reacting it either with a peracid to produce
dieldrin and an acid by-product, or with hydrogen peroxide and a tungstic oxide catalyst to produce
dieldrin and water. Aldrin and dieldrin are active against insects by contact or ingestion. Their primary use
was for the control of termites around buildings, corn pests by application to soil and in the citrus industry,
termite proofing of plastic and rubber coverings of electrical and telecommunication. In 1970, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture cancelled all uses of aldrin and dieldrin based on the concern that these
chemicals could cause severe aquatic environmental change and are potentially carcinogenic. Aldrin and
dieldrin are classified as hazardous wastes. That should be incinerated
Chlordane, dieldrin, aldrin and heptachlor, a related group of chlorinated organic compounds, were
marketed to complement DDT. Chlordane was used for instance to control termites, various types of ants,
borers, lawn beetles, curl grubs, cut worms and black beetles. Dieldrin was widely used against locusts
and argentine ants, in the protection of electricity and telephone cable, soil treatment in farm and industrial
premises for control of termites, and control of termites in buildings, fences and similar structures. Aldrin
was used as a soil treatment, usually pre-planting, for crops such as sugar cane, it was used in ant control
as well as subterranean termite control, the protection of power poles from termites, farm, industrial and
domestic control of fleas, flies, lice and mites. Heptachlor, a persistent organic pollutant,  was used
similarly to chlordane. It was also commonly used in soil treatment in crops for control of funnel ants and
grubs of the grey-black beetle in cane growing areas, and banana beetle borer in banana plantations. In
some countries it has a limited use to control fire ants.
16.13.4.1 Acephate
See diagram 16.13.4.1: Acephate
Acephate is a contact poison which is also systemic in some plants. It is fairly safe to use. There should
be a 7 days withholding period before harvest of the sprayed crop. It persists for some time. It may burn
young leaves. Acephate can be used to control many insect pests and some people say it is the best
general purpose insecticide for use in the tropics. It can control aphids and thrips, caterpillars, leaf miners,
rice hoppers, diamond-backed moth on cabbages, cutworms, and many other insects. Acephate is
usually available as a wettable powder. It is also available as a dust.
16.13.4.2 Dimethoate
See diagram 16.13.4.2: Dimethoate
Dimethoate is a systemic poison that is dangerous if the mist is breathed in or swallowed. There should be
a 7 days withholding period before harvest of the sprayed crop. It may damage some fruit trees.
Dimethoate can be used to control aphids and all sucking insects but it will not control chewing insects,
e.g. grasshoppers. It can control leaf miner in hibiscus cabbage (aibika) cabbages, okra, and sweet potato,
aphids and thrips on plants of the pumpkin family, cabbages, spring onions, tomato and bean, Heliothis
corn ear worm on bean and plants of the tomato family, mites and red spider on plants of the tomato
family, taro, banana, bean and cassava, bean fly, vegetable bugs, pod borer on bean, and fruit fly. When
insects are first seen spray a solution of 5 mL of concentrate in 5 litres of water. Make sure that the whole
plant is sprayed. Dimethoate is usually available as emulsifiable concentrate (E.C.). It is also available as
dusts, wettable powder (W.P.) and granules.
16.13.2 Malathion, Maldison
See diagram 16.13.2: Malathion
Malathion, maldison, is a contact poison which is also weakly systemic in some plants. It is fairly safe to
use but the concentrate is dangerous if swallowed, breathed in, or allowed to remain on the skin. There
should be a 7 days' withholding period before harvest of the sprayed crop. It persists for some time.
Malathion can be used to control many different insect pests which eat leaves and stems but some insects
have become resistant to it. It can control aphids, mole crickets, grasshoppers, cutworms, scale insects on
citrus trees, bugs on plants of the pumpkin family, bean and eggplant, taro leaf hopper, spider mites.
When the insects are first seen spray a solution of 10 mL of "Malathion 50" in 4 litres of water, and
repeat the spray when necessary. Malathion is usually available as a concentrate. It is also available as
aerosols, granules and dusts. For control of scale insects mix with white oil, e.g. Albarol, and water.
For control of pests of stored products, use as a dust.
16.13.4.4 Naled
See diagram 16.13.4.4: Naled
It is a contact and stomach poison. It is dangerous to use. Naled can be used just before harvest. It can
control caterpillars, cutworms, bugs on eggplants, red spider mite on cassava and other crops. Naled is
available as an emulsifiable concentrate (E.C.) and a dust.
16.13.4.5 Tetrachlorvinphos
See diagram 16.13.5: Tetrachlorvinphos
Tetrachlorvinphos is a contact and stomach poison. It is fairly safe to use. This chemical is not allowed to
be used on crops in the U.S. Tetrachlorvinphos can be used to control caterpillars and other pests of
leafy vegetables but other insecticides are better for this purpose. It can be used to kill parasites of
animals and to kill pests in agricultural buildings. Tetrachlorvinphos is usually available as emulsifiable
concentrate (E.C.) oil solution and dusts.
16.13.4.6 Trichlorophon
See diagram 16.13.5: Trichlorophon
Trichlorphon is a stomach poison and contact insecticide for certain insects. It also is used to kill flies and
cockroaches. It is dangerous to use. There should be a 2 days withholding period before harvest of the
sprayed crop. Trichlorphon can be used to control cutworm of cabbage and other crops, white fly on
taro, corn ear worm, bean fly, bugs, leaf hoppers, banana scale moth. Not effective for control of
diamond backed moth. Trichlorphon is available as wettable powder (W.P.) emulsifiable concentrate
(E.C.) and dusts.
16.13.7 Carbamates, Carbaryl, Bendiocarb
See diagram 16.13.4.7: Carbaryl, 1-napthyl methylcarbamate, "Sevin", "Carbamine", "Dicamba",
"Bugmaster", C12H11NO2
It is a contact poison which is also weakly systemic in some plants. It is fairly safe to use but the
concentrate is dangerous if it is swallowed, breathed in or allowed to remain on the skin. There should be
a 7 days withholding period before harvest of the sprayed crop. It has a short persistence. It may burn
young leaves. Carbaryl can be used to control many different insect pests which eat leaves and stems but
you may need a following spray of another insecticide to kill all the insect pests. It can control leaf miner
on hibiscus cabbage (aibika) okra, tomato and sweet potato, caterpillar on cabbage and other leafy
vegetables, 28-spotted ladybird on plants of the pumpkin family, tomato leaf miner, pod borers in bean,
bugs on bean and eggplant, green looper caterpillars on bean and tomato, diamond backed moth on
cabbages, taro leaf hopper, white fly on taro and other crops, army worm, pumpkin beetle, moths on
fruit trees, potato moths. When the insects are first seen spray a solution of 5 grammes of Carbaryl in 4
litres of water, and repeat the spray when necessary. Carbaryl is usually available as a wettable powder.
It is also available as granules and dusts. For control of scale insects mix with white oil (petroleum oil).
16.13.4.8 Carbamates, Methiocarb
See diagram 16.13.4.8: Methiocarb, mercaptodimethur, 4 methyl thio-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate
It is a contact and stomach poison insecticide, acaracide and molluscicide. Also it is a bird repellent.
It is dangerous with long residual activity but as no systemic action. Methiocarb is used mainly as snail
bait and repellent for snails and slugs. It also controls grasshoppers, mites and many insects.
16.13.5 Acaricides
These chemicals are used to kill red spider, mites and other 8-legged pests.
See diagram 16.13.5: Dicofol
1. Dicofol, C14H9Cl5O, contains chlorine. It is a contact poison of mites only with long residual action,
does not harm insects, is fairly safe, is not systemic, but may burn eggplant (Aubergine) and other fruit.
There is a 7 days withholding period. Dicofol can control mites on citrus trees and red spider mite on
passion fruit, banana, cassava and other crops, but Dimethoate is better. Highly inflammable, do not
smoke near it. Dicofol is available usually as E.C., it is also available as W.P. and dusts.
2. Formaldehyde (formalin) can be used as a soil drench which prevents damping off disease of seedlings.
It will irritate eyes and nose.
3. Naled, see Insecticides
4. Dimethoate, see Insecticides
5. Sulfur, Wettable sulfur see Fungicides
6. Benomyl. see Fungicides
7. Methiocarb. see Insecticides
16.13.6 Benomyl
See diagram: 16.13.6: Benomyl
Benomyl, C14H18N4O3, is a carbamate. A systemic poison, very safe to use on fruit, vegetables and field
crops but it may irritate the eyes and skin, good residual activity in soil, 5 days withholding period. It can
control powdery mildew on plants in the pumpkin family, fungus diseases of tomato and pineapples, and
is used as an oil and water emulsion to control black leaf streak and other leaf spots of banana.
Sugarcane, pineapple and other planting material can be dipped in it to control many different fungi.
Benomyl can control many leaf spots, vegetable rots and white mould diseases. However, there are some
fungus diseases it cannot control such as downy mildew and some fungi have developed resistance to it so
it should not be used too much. It will control mite eggs but not adult mites and can kill some nematodes.
It kills fish. It can stop fungi reproducing. It can be made more active by adding surfactant. It should be
stored in a dry place. The container must be kept tightly closed especially in tropical countries. Benomyl is
available as a wettable powder (W.P.).
16.13.6.2 Bordeaux mixture, CuSO4.3Cu(OH)2.3CaSO4
Bordeaux mixture is a mixture of copper (II) sulfate, calcium hydroxide, or slaked lime. It is sometimes
called "Bordo Mixture". It is a protective fungicide which is safe unless eaten. The two chemicals are often
bought separately and mixed in a plastic bucket and used immediately. It may burn leaves and metal and is
hard to use properly. Bordeaux mixture can control rots, downy mildew, leaf spots. It repels many
insects. It can kill the eggs of mites. copper (II) sulfate may be used by itself to control leaf spots and
other diseases.
16.13.6.3 Captan
See diagram: 16.13.6.3
Captan is ethanethiol or ethyl mercaptan. Captan contains chlorine and sulfur. A protective fungicide, safe
to use but may irritate the skin, used mainly as a dust on seeds to prevent damping off disease, also used
on vegetables and other crops and as a dip for stored products, 1 day withholding period. It is a good
all purpose fungicide for controlling mildew and leaf spots and damping off fungus on seeds. Captan can
control root and stem rot of bean, fungus diseases in carrots, peanut and sorghum, and leaf spot of yams.
It kills fish. Seed which has been dusted with it should not be eaten. Captan is available as dusts and
W.P. and in special soil fungicidal products. In 1989 Captan was phased out of general usage as a
pesticide in USA.
16.13.6.4 Copper oxychloride, ClCu2H3O3
Copper oxychloride is made from copper and chlorine. It is a protective fungicide. It is safe to use. There
should be a 1 day withholding period before harvest. Copper oxychloride is a good fungicide for leaf
diseases. It can control downy mildew, leaf spots, leaf rot and other fungus diseases. Copper oxychloride
is available as wettable powder (W.P.) and dusts.
16.13.6.5 Chlorothalonil
See diagram 16.13.6.5: Chlorothalonil
Chlorothalonil, C8Cl4N2, contains chlorine. It is a protective fungicide. It is safe but it makes some people
sick. Its effect lasts a long time. This is the best fungicide for fungus diseases of tomato. Chlorothalonil can
control leaf spots, powdery mildew, downy mildew and other fungi on plants. It does not kill all soil fungi.
It can kill fish. Chlorothalonil is available as wettable powder (W.P.) and tablets.
16.13.10 Zineb
See diagram 16.13.10: Zineb
Zineb, C4H6N2S4Zn, contains zinc. It is a protective fungicide. It is safe to use but it may cause skin
irritation. It may damage young seedlings. There should be a 7 days withholding period before harvest of
the sprayed crop. This is the best general purpose fungicide. Zineb can control many vegetable fungus
diseases including downy mildew on plants of the pumpkin family, leaf spots and rust diseases. It is
available as a wettable powder (W.P.) and as dusts.
16.13.6.7 Metam
See diagram 16.13.10: Metam
Metam-Sodium is a carbamate salt containing sodium. It is used to kill fungi, insects, nematode worms
and weeds in the soil. It is fairly safe to use but may irritate eyes and mouth.
16.13.6.8 Quintozene
See diagram 16.13.5: Quintozene
Quintozene, C6Cl5NO2, is a protective fungicide for seed and soil. It is safe to use but may cause skin
irritation. It may burn young leaves. This can be used as a soil drench after planting to control various
fungus diseases such as damping off fungus and rots. It is applied to soil before sowing or after sowing to
treat both seeds and soil. It can be used to treat soil at transplanting and treat seeds of cabbages. Seeds
that have been treated with it must not be eaten. It does not kill many kinds of fungi. It cannot be used to
control bacterial wilt. It is available as dusts, granules, and pastes.
16.13.6.9 Sulfur
It is a non-metallic element and is used as "Wettable sulfur". It is a fungicide and acaricide. It is very safe
to use but it irritates the eyes and skin. It may damage leaves of plants in the pumpkin family. There is no
withholding period. It can control mites on capsicums, citrus hibiscus cabbage and tomato. Also it can
control powdery mildew, downy mildew and some rust diseases, but it is not effective for other fungus
diseases. sulfur is available as a dust, wettable powder and sulfur paste.
16.13.6.10 Yates Anti Rot Phosacid
The phosphorous acid in Yates Anti Rot Phosacid inhibits the growth of fungus and enhances the defence
system of plants. It breaks down in soil and does not harm the environment. It controls collar rot in citrus
and ornamentals, root rot in citrus, avocados and ornamentals, (including native plants, luculias, daphne
and proteas), and downy mildew in grapes. It is sprayed over the foliage where it is absorbed into the
plant. It has no withholding period, so it can be sprayed up to harvest.
16.13.60 Lime sulfur, CaSx
It contains calcium and sulfur. It is a fungicide, acaracide and insecticide which is sprayed or dusted on
plants. It can be dangerous to use and causes skin irritation. It may burn leaves and metal. It can control
many fungus diseases such as leaf spots and powdery mildew and it can control red spider and mite and
scale insects. This is a hard spray to use properly. It may damage plants in the pumpkin family. Lime
sulfur is available as a solution or a powder.
16.13.7.0 Herbicides, weedicides, pesticides
Always store keep these chemicals in their original containers! In many countries it is against the law to
decant them into bottles or other containers that originally contained other substances, e.g. food or drink.
A herbicide is a substance used to destroy plants or to slow down their growth. The formulation is the
form in which the pesticide is supplied by the manufacturer for use. The half-life is the time required for
half the amount of substance to be reduced by natural processes. The LC50 is the concentration in air,
water, or food which will kill 50% of the subjects, usually laboratory rats. Mutagenicity is the ability to
cause genetic changes. Non-target animals or plants other than those that the pesticide is intended to kill.
Persistence is the tendency of a pesticide to remain active after it is applied. Residual activity is the
remaining amount of activity as a pesticide. Bees gathering nectar and pollen may be directly exposed to
pesticides or they may carry contaminated pollen back to nests and hives and expose other bees to it.
Copper (II) sulfate solution, dilute sulfuric acid and dinitro-o-cresol can each kill some weeds without
causing injury to crops.
S7 Poisons: Nemacur, Bifenthrin
S6 Poisons: Bromoxynil, Metaldehyde (100%), Hortico blackberry and tree killer, Warfarin, Pindone,
Propoxur, Diazinon, Dichlorvos
S5 Poisons: Ametryn, Dicamba, Pyrethrum, Pyrethrins, Baysol snail and slug bait, Yates Blitzem snail
bait, Boric acid,
Unscheduled chemicals: White oil, Lime sulfur spray fungicide, Dipel HG bioinsecticide
16.13.7.1 Bifenox
See diagram 16.13.5: Bifenox
Bifenox, C14H9Cl2NO5, contains chlorine. It is a contact poison. It is fairly safe but irritates the eyes.
It remains a long time in the soil.
16.13.7.2 Dalapon, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid, "Dowpon"
See diagram: 16.13.7.2: Dalapon
Dalapon Na is a selective poison which is taken in by the plant and moves through it to kill all parts
including the roots. It acts slowly over 2-3 weeks. It is safe to use but causes irritation to the eyes and
skin of some people. Dalapon can control most annual and perennial grasses. It will kill every plant it
touches. Dalapon is available as a water soluble powder.
16.13.7.3 Glyphosate weed spray, N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, “Roundup”, “Rodeo”, “Accord”,
 "Zero", S5 poison
See diagram: 16.13.7.3: Glyphosate
Commercial glyphosate products may contain inert ingredients, i.e. anything added to the product other
than an active ingredient, e.g. glyphosate 41%, polyethoxylated tallow amine surfactant 15% and water
44%. It may contain the contaminant N-nitrosoglyphosate (NNG). The registered use status is "General
Use". It can control many difficult weeds, e.g. nut grass, couch grass, Johnson grass, paspalum, Kikuyu,
blady grass, Guinea grass and purslane. It is used in forestry and noxious weed control to control grasses,
herbaceous plants but not all broadleaf woody plants. It is absorbed by leaves and prevents production
of an essential amino acid and inhibits plant growth. It is broken down by some plants to mainly
aminomethylphosphonic acid. Do not allow spray drift to contact desirable plants! It is safe to operators
and has no residual activity in the soil because glyphosate and the surfactants used in commercial
formulations are strongly adsorbed by the soil. However, it remains unchanged in the soil depending on
soil texture and organic matter content until soil micro-organisms break it down. Glyphosate and the
surfactant are not absorbed from the soil by plants. It may be harmful to fish but it does not build up,
bioaccumulate, in fish. It is usually non-toxic to birds, mammals and bees. In tests in male and female rats,
the acute oral LD50 was 4320 mg / kg. It does not cause genetic damage or birth defects, and no
noticeable effect on fertility, reproduction, or development.
16.13.7.4 Paraquat
See diagram: 16.13.7.4: Paraquat
Paraquat is the trade name for N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium chloride, so it contains chlorine. It is a
contact fast action poison.
PARAQUAT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL!
It can kill people if swallowed. It is not poisonous after touching the clay in soils. There is no persistence
in soil. There should be a 9 day withholding period before harvest. It controls most broad leaf annual
weeds and grasses. It works best when weeds are 2-15 cm high. It is not very effective on perennials
with good root system. It kills water weeds. Keep livestock away when spraying. Paraquat is available as
water solution. Mix with water and immediately spray on leaves. Paraquat, Diquat and Cyperquat are
quaternary ammonium herbicides related to cationic surfactants that kill by contact with the plant foliage
and cannot enter the plant via its roots because they are very strongly adsorbed onto clay and soil
particles. They are used to kill weeds between crops or just before a crop emerges. They are toxic to
humans.
16.13.7.5 MCPA, 4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid, also called
2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), S5 poison
See diagram 16.13.11: MCPA
Phenoxyacetic acids can mimic the natural auxin, plant hormone, indole acetic acid and are were not
destroyed by the plant. They can also be used in setting unfertilized fruits and promoting root growth.
When used in excess they can be used as herbicides. For MCPA is used to kill dicotyledon weeds in
monocotyledon cereal crops. Equal amounts are absorbed by weeds and cereals but the cereals remain
unharmed because of the differences in their growing shoot structure.
16.13.7.6 Herbicide 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid
See diagram 16.13.11: 2,4-D
The phenoxyacetic acid herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and its precursor 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP)
The selective herbicide 2,4-D is toxic to broad leafed plants but less harmful to grasses. This hormone
weed killer 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid is an aryloxyalkanoic acid known also as a "phenoxy
herbicide", which includes MCPA, mecoprop, triclopyr and 2,4,5-T. Their actions against weeds
resembling those of auxins (growth hormones). Absorbed 2,4-D is translocated within the plant and
accumulates at the growing points of roots and shoots where it inhibits growth. The principal use is for
the control of broad leaf weeds in cereal crops, including wheat, maize, rice, sorghum, grassland and
turf areas. It is also widely used in mixtures with other herbicides to provide weed control in forestry,
orchards and non-crop areas, and for the control of aquatic weeds. 2,4-D is a WHO Class II
"moderately hazardous" pesticide, in the same class as endosulfan, Lindane, paraquat and toxaphene.
It has an LD50 of 375 mg / kg in the rat with evidence
suggesting a similar level of toxicity in human. Occupational exposure to 2,4-D has produced serious eye
and skin irritation, nausea, weakness and fatigue, and inflammation of nerve endings. The various chemical
forms of 2,4-D can have different toxic effects. Orthocarboxylic acids, e.g. picloram can behave in a
similar manner and is more potent than 2,4-D.
16.13.11 Herbicide 2,4,5-T, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid
See diagram 16.13.11: 2,4,5-T | See 16.14.0: Dioxins, Agent Orange
It was used to kill noxious weeds, e.g. privet and blackberry. At first it caused birth defects in animals
and chloracne rash in workers due to a dioxin impurity TCDD (2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin),
but this impurity can be controlled to an acceptable limit. Production of 2,4,5-T was contaminated with
the carcinogenic dioxin TCDD. Agent Orange was used first by the UK military in Malaysia and later by
the US military to defoliate jungle regions in Vietnam. Abnormal foetal skeletal development, increased
foetal mortality and other reproductive effects may be associated with exposure to phenoxy-acid
herbicide and their dioxin contaminants. 2,4-D has low soil absorption and a high potential for
leachability and 2,4-D residues have been recorded in groundwater and surface water. Some
formulations of 2,4-D are highly toxic to fish. 2,4,5-T, 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, "Weedone",
Acetic acid (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)-555, C8H5Cl3O3. This herbicide was formerly used for industrial
sites, lumber yards and vacant lots, range land and rice, lawns and turf, aquatic use, home use, recreation
areas, food crops for humans. 2,4,5-T is used post emergence alone or with 2,4-d for the control of
shrubs and trees. It is also used for girdling, injection or cut stump treatment. It has been used as a growth
regulator to increase size of citrus fruits and reduce excessive drop of deciduous fruit. The use of 2,4,5-T
in the United States has been cancelled since 1985. control in lakes and ponds at 22-45 kg / ha, and
along ditches and irrigation networks. It is odourless but is an irritant to eyes, nose, and throat. The
persistence of 2,4,5-T does not exceed one full growing season. Biodegradation of 2,4,5-T to
2,4,5-trichlorophenol appears to be the dominant removal mechanisms. 2,4,5-T is was one of the most
rapidly decomposed herbicides. 2,4,5-T has been qualitatively identified in drinking water.
16.13.8 Insect repellents
See diagram 16.13.8: Deet, DMP
Natural insect repellents contained strong smelling oils, e.g. citronella, that repel insects after contact with
the repellent. The most effective insect repellents is deet, NN-diethyl-m-toluamide. Also, DMP,
dimethylphthalate, is an effective mosquito repellent but it dissolves the plastic in “watch glass” and
spectacles. Other effective repellents are “E-Hex”, ethyl hexanediol, and “Indalone”,
butyl 3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-4-oxo-2H-pyran-6-carboxylate! The best repellent for bush flies and
sand flies is di-n-propyl isosinchomeronate with the addition of the pyrethrum synergist
N-octyl bicycloheptenedicarboximide, NN diethyltoluamide, di-N-propyl isocinchomeronate.
An attractant for pantry moth is "biolure" (2,E)-9, 12-tetradien-1-yl acetate. Java oil contains geraniol and
citronellal.
16.13.8.2 Nematode pests
Bulb and stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci bulbs, e.g. daffodil, onion
Leaf nematodes in the buds Aphelenchoides sp. blackcurrant, strawberry
16.13.8.4 Integrated pest management (IPM)
Teachers should adopt an IPM approach to the control of pests on school farms.
IPM is a process of selecting a range of control strategies and using them jointly in the removal of
agricultural pests, or in reducing their presence to an acceptable level.
Pest control methods that do not rely on the use of chemicals include the following:
1. Physical or mechanical control, e.g. hand picking, fly swats, mouse traps, fly screens, using light traps,
using ultrasound, the hand chipping of weeds
2. Cultural or managerial control, e.g. farm hygiene, crop rotation, companion planting, adjusting the
time of planting and harvest, the use of sealed storage containers
3. Genetic control, e.g. the use of plants that are resistant to the pest
4. Exclusion, e.g. the erection of fences to keep out rabbits, the isolation of sick animals from a healthy
herd or flock, the careful inspection of animals before allowing them entry to a school farm
5. Biological control, i.e. the use of other living organisms to reduce the activities of pests, e.g. the control
of the cabbage white butterfly with the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
16.13.8.5 Chemical pesticides, poisons
1. S7 Poisons, "Dangerous poison, highly toxic". Not to be taken. Keep out of reach of children. Must be
stored in a locked poisons cupboard. Apply the chemical strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions given on the label, product instruction sheet and the MSDS. Use MSDS to determine the
Dangerous Goods Packing Group. Use chemical eye protection goggles eye and skin protection when
splashes can occur or when spraying. e.g. Bayer Nemacur, Bifenthrin.
2. S6 Poisons "Poison, moderately toxic". Not to be taken. Keep out of reach of children. Must be stored
in a locked poisons cupboard. Apply the chemical strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions given on the label, product instruction sheet and the MSDS. Use MSDS to determine the
Dangerous Goods Packing Group. Use chemical eye protection goggles eye and skin protection when
splashes can occur or when spraying. e.g. Bromoxynil, Diazinon, Dichlorvos, Hortico blackberry and tree
killer, Metaldehyde (100%.), Pindone, Propoxur, Warfarin.
3. S5 Poisons, "Caution, low toxicity". Apply the chemical strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions given on the label, product instruction sheet and the MSDS. Use MSDS to determine whether
the pesticide is a hazardous substance and / or a dangerous good. Use eye and skin protection when
splashes can occur. e.g. Ametryn, Baysol snail & slug bait, Boric acid, Dicamba, MCPA, Pyrethrum,
Pyrethrins, Yates Blitzem (snail bait), Zero weed spray (glyphosate).
4. Unscheduled chemicals, "very low toxicity". Use in accordance with the safety instructions on the label,
e.g. Lime sulfur spray fungicide, Dipel H G Bio-insectide, white oil.
Glyphosate 95% TC, 62% IPA salt SL, 41% IPA salt SL
Dimethoate 40% EC
Alpha-cypermethrin 10% EC
Clopyralid 75% WG/ WDG
Paraquat 42% TC, 20% SL
Mancozeb TC, 80% WP