Pests that infest agricultural or houseplants can destroy entire crops or entire plants. The losses can be irreparable, so insecticides should be used if pests are detected. Spraying with Actellic helps control both insects and mites, which can cause irreparable damage to crops.
Description of the product, its composition and mechanism of action
"Actellic" is a non-systemic organophosphorus insecticide and acaricide with stomach, contact, and fumigant action. The main active ingredient is pirimiphos-methyl, available at a concentration of 500 grams per liter.
Once applied to a plant, Actellic remains effective for 72 hours, and the protective effect lasts for 7-10 days. The duration of action depends on weather conditions.
Its mode of action differs from that of pyrethroids, as Actellic is an organophosphorus agent. It penetrates insects and mites upon contact and has translaminar, or deep-seated, activity. Actellic can also be used to treat seeds, as it has fumigant properties. Fumigation with Actellic eliminates hidden pests and prevents seed damage during storage and during the early stages of germination when released into the soil.
Purpose
Actellic is an effective insecticide and acaricide used to treat plant infestations by leaf-eating and sucking insects and mites. It is effective against agricultural pests in both open and closed ground, as well as for greenhouse and indoor plants. Actellic also serves as a fumigator, treating grain storage facilities and seed storage areas.
Instructions for use
Actellic is available as an emulsion concentrate in ampoules of varying sizes (2 and 6 milliliters). This smaller volume is best suited for indoor plants infested with dangerous pests, especially spider mites.
For rapid and noticeable results, the concentration of the Actellic working solution should be 1-1.5%. The spraying effect, and especially the fumigation effect, is enhanced in warm and humid conditions. Dissolve 6 milliliters of the product in 6 liters of water and spray in dry, windless weather. For cherry trees, a different ratio is used: dilute 12 milliliters of Actellic in 10 liters of water. The application rate is as follows: young trees – 2 liters per plant, fruiting trees – 5 liters, and berry bushes – 6 milliliters of the product dissolved in 6 liters of water (per 100 square meters).
Actellic's protective effect lasts 2-3 weeks for outdoor crops, depending on weather conditions, agricultural practices, the plants themselves, and the type of pest. Vegetable and ornamental crops grown indoors remain protected for 1-2 weeks. Actellic's longest treatment period is for fumigating grain stocks—up to 8 months or a year.
Precautionary measures
"Actellic" belongs to hazard class 2, therefore it is toxic to bees and other flying insects, as well as to aquatic life and fish.
Spraying or using the product in any other way is prohibited in water protection zones of bodies of water or near water sources. When treating indoor plants, remove pets and birds from the area, as well as aquariums, water fountains, and food items.
Actellic should be sprayed outdoors outside of the active flight period of bees and other pollinating insects. In enclosed spaces and warehouses, workers are advised to wear a respirator. Workers must wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, masks, and safety goggles. While spraying Actellic, drinking, smoking, and eating are prohibited. Afterward, change clothes, wash your face and hands with soap, and take a shower.
What to do in case of poisoning
If improper use of the product results in poisoning, the victim should seek immediate medical attention. If Actellic is ingested or inhaled, as an organophosphorus compound, a specific antidote is required. This antidote is atropine sulfate or P-2AM, which acts as a cholinesterase reactivator. In severe cases of poisoning, anticonvulsants, such as diazepam, will be required. In case of ingestion, gastric lavage with large amounts of water containing an alkali (baking soda) is also recommended.
If irritation or an allergic reaction occurs, an antihistamine can be taken. If inflammation, itching, or pain persists, medical attention is required. However, by following safety precautions, poisoning can be avoided.
Where to store and how long can it be stored
The shelf life is 36 months. Store the product in a place protected from sunlight at temperatures between -10 and +35 degrees Celsius. It is preferable to use a dedicated pesticide storage facility for industrial-scale use or keep the product out of the reach of children and pets.
Packaging must be sealed and labeled. Ingestion of large amounts of organophosphorus compounds can lead to adverse health effects. Store Actellic away from food, drink, medications, and pet and livestock feed.
Advantages and disadvantages
The drug "Actellic" has the following beneficial properties:
- Rapid destruction of pests, including those that destroy seed material and seed reserves for food use.
- Treatment with this product helps prevent re-infestation of crops and plantings by pests.
- Low duration of action (persistence) on plants, which makes it possible to quickly harvest after treatment with an insectoacaricide.
- High persistence on non-plant (inert) surfaces ensures long-lasting pesticide action. This is important when treating storage areas, grain silos, basements, greenhouses, warehouses, and healthcare facilities.
- The action differs from that of the pyrethroid group of drugs, which allows alternating agents if necessary.
- No negative impact if the recommendations developed by the manufacturer are followed.
Actellic's multifaceted effects make it useful and quick to use, especially when dealing with multiple pests at once. However, the product does have a downside. Since its active ingredient is an organophosphorus compound, failure to observe personal safety precautions, contact with skin and mucous membranes, or inhalation of vapors may cause health problems.
Is compatibility possible?
Actellic is compatible with most pesticides and can be used in tank mixes for plant treatments. However, each time a combined solution is created, the reaction of the mixture must be tested. To do this, take small amounts of the products to be mixed and observe how they react. If unexpected and undesirable effects occur—such as sedimentation, cloudiness, gas evolution, etc.—large tank mixes should not be created.
What to replace it with
If you don't have Actellic on hand and pests are bothering your crops, you can use other products that have a similar effect, but don't necessarily have the same composition as the main product.
Most often, Actellic is replaced by the following insecticides and acaricides:
- "Aktara".
- "Nurel".
- Confidor.
- "Ratibor".
- "Calypso" and many others.
Actellic's effectiveness allows for the elimination of a range of insects and mites in just one treatment. It is also active against a wide range of pests, making it indispensable for eliminating multiple insects attacking plants at once. It can also be used on indoor plants, which are often infested with various pests, including dangerous spider mites, as well as on barns and grain storage facilities.