Sep . 19, 2025 19:00 Back to list

Acephate-Insecticide|Organophosphate Pest Control

Introduction to Acephate

Acephate, also known as Orthene, is a widely used organophosphate foliar insecticide renowned for its efficacy in controlling a broad spectrum of pests in agricultural and horticultural settings. Developed as a key innovation in pest management during the 1990s, Acephate remains a critical tool for farmers and agronomists. This article provides a detailed analysis of its technical specifications, applications, safety profile, and the company behind its production—Hebei Dongfeng Chemical Technology Co., Ltd..

Key Features and Benefits

Acephate is celebrated for its systemic and contact insecticidal properties, making it a versatile solution for both sucking and chewing insects. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme critical for nerve signal transmission in pests. This disruption leads to paralysis and eventual death of the target organisms. Notably, Acephate is metabolized into methamidophos, a more active compound, which enhances its potency against pests while minimizing risks to non-target species, including humans and animals.

One of the standout features of Acephate is its moderate persistence and residual systemic activity. This ensures prolonged protection against pests without the need for frequent reapplication. Additionally, its solubility in water, chloroform, and DMSO (as per the solubility data in the technical specifications) allows for easy formulation and application in various agricultural practices.

Technical Specifications

Property	Details
Melting Point	93°C
Density	1.35 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure	2.26 × 10⁻⁴ Pa at 24°C
Flash Point	2°C
Storage Temperature	Approx. 4°C
Solubility	Water, Chloroform, DMSO (Soluble)
pKa	11.00 ± 0.46 (Predicted)
Form	White to yellow solid
Water Solubility	Readily soluble

Applications in Agriculture and Horticulture

Acephate is extensively used in the control of pests such as leaf miners, caterpillars, sawflies, thrips, aphids, and various other insects affecting crops like cotton, ornamentals, forestry, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural produce. Its systemic action allows it to be absorbed by plants, providing protection from within against pests that feed on leaves or stems. This dual mode of action—contact and systemic—ensures comprehensive pest management.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Acephate is particularly effective against alfalfa loopers, armyworms, bagworms, and cabbage loopers, as highlighted in its product specifications. Its broad-spectrum efficacy makes it a preferred choice for farmers seeking to reduce crop losses and improve yield quality.

Safety and Risk Management

The Risk and Safety Statements for Acephate emphasize its classification under GHS07 (Hazard Statement: H302+H312) and Hazard Codes: Xn, F (harmful and flammable). The Acephate-Insecticide|Organophosphate Pest Control symbol indicates that Acephate requires careful handling to mitigate risks. The UN1648 3/PG 2 designation underscores its classification as a hazardous material during transport.

Despite its potency, Acephate is considered relatively safe for humans and animals due to its low mammalian toxicity. However, adherence to safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear and following application guidelines, is essential to minimize exposure. The Hebei Dongfeng Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. provides detailed safety data sheets to ensure proper handling and storage.

Product Variants and Formulations

The company offers Acephate in multiple formulations to suit diverse agricultural needs:

Acephate 97% TC technical concentrate
Acephate 75% SP soluble powder
Acephate 40% EC emulsifiable concentrate
Acephate 98% TC technical concentrate
Acephate 97% SG soluble granules
Acephate 30% EC emulsifiable concentrate
Acephate 97% WDG water dispersable granule

These formulations cater to different application methods, including foliar sprays, soil treatments, and seed coatings, ensuring flexibility for users.

Company Background: Hebei Dongfeng Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.

Hebei Dongfeng Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of agricultural chemicals, specializing in the production of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Based in Hebei Province, China, the company has established itself as a trusted supplier to global markets, offering high-quality products backed by rigorous quality control standards.

With a commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental safety, Hebei Dongfeng invests in research and development to innovate eco-friendly pest management solutions. Their product portfolio reflects this dedication, combining efficacy with minimal ecological impact.

Regulatory Compliance and Standards

Acephate complies with international standards for pesticide registration and safety testing. The HS Code 29299040 ensures its classification under global trade regulations, facilitating its distribution across borders. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a pivotal role in setting measurement standards for agricultural chemicals, ensuring consistency and reliability in their performance and safety profiles.

According to NIST, "Accurate measurement and standardization are critical for the development and application of agricultural chemicals. These standards ensure that products like Acephate meet stringent safety and efficacy criteria, protecting both human health and the environment." (NIST).

Conclusion

Acephate remains a cornerstone in modern pest management due to its efficacy, versatility, and safety profile. Its systemic action and broad-spectrum activity make it an indispensable tool for farmers, while its compliance with global standards ensures its reliability. Hebei Dongfeng Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. continues to innovate and deliver high-quality formulations, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.