What Is Sumithione?
Sumithione is an organophosphorus and organosulfur pesticide developed by Sumitomo Chemical Co.
Sumithione, the trade name for a chemical substance whose main active ingredient is fenitrothione (chemical formula: C9H12NO5PS), acts on the nervous systems of target organisms. It inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, an excitatory neurotransmitter. This continuous excitation results in an insecticidal effect.
Registered for controlling various insect pests, from aphids on vegetables to tree pests, Sumithione is popular due to its relatively low cost. It is used by both home gardeners and professional farmers and landscapers. Its toxicity to humans and livestock is lower compared to other organophosphorus pesticides. It has been used in Japan for over half a century.
Uses of Sumithione
Sumithione is utilized for pest control and is registered for a wide range of agricultural pests. This includes pests on trees, fruit tree beetles, rice pests, and vegetable pests such as aphids and stink bugs.
It is particularly significant in controlling tree borers, which have fewer registered pesticides compared to aphids and caterpillars. Sumithione is highly effective at low doses and possesses excellent contact and phagocytotoxic properties, which are effective when pests consume sprayed leaves or fruits. Additionally, its egg-killing property helps prevent the hatching of pest eggs.
The contact and food poisoning effects are useful for immediate pest control, while the egg-killing effect serves as a preventative measure.
Characteristics of Sumithione
Pros
- Registered for diverse crops, including rice, trees, fruit trees, and vegetables.
- Effective against pests that consume sprayed leaves and fruits due to its phagocytotoxic effect.
- Affordable and user-friendly.
Cons
- Requires investment in specific chemicals and spraying equipment. The cost-effectiveness should be evaluated before use.
- The shape and concentration of ingredients, along with the registered crops and usage methods, vary between products, necessitating an understanding of each product’s specifics.
Types of Sumithione
Sumithione is available in the following forms:
1. Sumithione Emulsion
Sumithione emulsion is a liquid form diluted in water, turning milky white upon dilution. It is registered for a broad range of crops and pests, including tree pests and aphids on vegetables and flowers.
The diluted product is sprayed onto crops, and for certain crops, unmanned aerial vehicle spraying is possible, offering labor-saving benefits.
2. Sumithione Hydrate
Sumithione hydrate is a powder that becomes an opaque liquid when diluted in water and precipitates if left standing. It is effective against aphids, lacewings, bedbugs, stink bugs, and other insects on various fruit trees. The application involves dilution and spraying on crops.
3. Sumithione Powder
Sumithione powder, used undiluted, controls pests like rice seedlings, stink bugs, and soybean stink bugs.
Other Information on Sumithione
Precautions for Using Sumithione
- Wear gloves and masks during spraying to avoid direct contact with eyes, nose, and skin.
- Atropine sulfate and PAM formulations are antidotes for exposure.
- Since it affects honey bees, crucial for crop pollination, avoid using near beekeeping facilities or inform nearby beekeepers about its application.