What Is Diazinon?
Diazinon (chemical formula: C12H21N2O3PS) is an organophosphorous insecticide.
It inhibits the action of enzymes that degrade acetylcholine, an excitatory neurotransmitter that transmits nerve signals. Consequently, it continuously excites pests and mites, leading to an insecticidal effect.
Diazinon is effective against various pests, including soil pests, caterpillars, and aphids. It is widely used by both home gardeners and professional farmers due to its low toxicity to mammals, including humans, compared to other organophosphorus insecticides.
Uses of Diazinon
Diazinon is utilized for pest control, with various methods and timings of application depending on the cultivation system and pests’ characteristics.
It is particularly effective against soil-dwelling pests, such as bedbugs and lacewing larvae. These ‘soil pests’ are often challenging to identify and control.
Applied to the soil and mixed with tilling equipment, Diazinon aerates the soil, providing insecticidal activity against a broad range of pests, not just those in direct contact.
It is also less likely to cause chemical damage to crops that are sensitive to other organophosphate insecticides, making it a preferred choice for strawberries, carrots, radishes, corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Characteristics of Diazinon
Pros
- Versatile use on a wide range of crops.
- Allows for planting or transplanting soon after application in some cases.
- For soil-miscible types, there is no osmotic transfer to crops, ensuring safety for consumption.
Cons
- The cost of chemicals and spraying equipment is high, so cost-effectiveness should be considered before selection.
- Products vary in form and ingredient concentration, with specific registered crops and unique usage methods, requiring a careful understanding of each product.
Types of Diazinon
Diazinon is available in the following forms:
1. Diazinon Granules
Diazinon granules are effective against soil pests like bedbugs and lacewing larvae and are registered for a wide range of crops. They are not osmotically translocatable, ensuring they are not absorbed by crop roots and can be applied via soil mixing, surface spraying, or even unmanned helicopter spraying.
2. Diazinon Hydrate
Diazinon hydrate, a powder, is diluted in water to form an opaque liquid that precipitates if left standing. It is registered for use on many fruit tree species and effectively controls aphids, whiteflies, and other insects. The application involves dilution and spraying on crops.
3. Diazinon Emulsion
Diazinon emulsion, a liquid form, is diluted in water to create a white emulsion. It is registered for use on vegetables like cabbage, eggplant, and cucumber, and is effective against pests like aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers. It is also registered for turf and can be used against turf pests. The application involves dilution and spraying on crops.
Other Information on Diazinon
Precautions for Using Diazinon
There are specific limitations on the number of Diazinon applications per cultivation cycle, and the total number of applications for pesticides containing Diazinon is also limited. It is essential to consider these limitations when planning pesticide use.
When spraying, wear gloves and masks to avoid direct contact with eyes, nose, and skin. Atropine sulfate and PAM formulations are available as antidotes.