How to Mix Malathion for Blueberries
Malathion is an insecticide that's been around since the 1950s. The chemical is the active ingredient in a number of formulations for the control of pests of different crops. Blueberry growers use malathion to kill blueberry maggots, aphids, blueberry tip borers, cherry fruitworms and sharp-nosed leafhoppers, among several other damaging insects. But the pest-free crop comes at a price, as this chemical is associated with genetic mutation, cancer and other threats to your health. If you use it, do so as a last resort and heed the label's safety instructions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Coveralls
- Socks
- Chemical-proof gloves
- Shoes
- Respirator
- Measuring cups
- Malathion
- Water
- Pesticide sprayer
Instructions
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Put on coveralls, socks, chemical-proof gloves and shoes. Although the product label doesn't recommend that you wear a respirator, it tells you not to breathe the chemical's mist. The National Pesticide Information Center also warns you of the risks of breathing in malathion. For this reason, consider wearing a respirator while handling the product.
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2
Measure malathion, using the rate of 1½ pints of chemical per acre of blueberries as a guideline.
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Measure the water at the rate of 60 gallons per acre for field and row crops. Adjust the dilution rate after initial application, depending on the results. Use as little as 20 gallons of water mixed with a maximum of 1½ to 2½ pints of malathion per acre.
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Pour three-fourths of the water into your spray tank.
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Add the chemical to the water in the tank while running the sprayer's agitator.
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Add the final fourth of water to the tank. Spray your blueberry plants with the diluted chemical, agitating the blend constantly so the water and the insecticide don't separate.
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References
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