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Pesticide guide

Malathion

Insecticide Malathion

Description

Malathion is a popular insecticide that kills many different types of harmful insects on your crops. When you spray it on your plants, it works in two ways: first, it kills insects that come into direct contact with the spray. Second, it gets absorbed into the plant leaves and stems, so it also kills insects that are hiding on the underside of leaves or inside the plant. This makes it very effective against common pests like aphids (small green or black bugs that suck plant sap), thrips (tiny insects that damage flowers and leaves), mites (very small spider-like pests), whiteflies (small white flying insects), and caterpillars (worm-like pests that eat leaves). You can use it on vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, as well as on fruit trees and field crops. The best time to spray is when you first notice the pests on your plants. It works quickly and you'll see dead insects within a few hours. However, remember that it's harmful to bees, so don't spray when your plants are flowering. Also, make sure to wait at least 7 to 14 days after spraying before you harvest your crops to ensure the produce is safe to eat.

Application rates

General

1-2 liters per hectare

Light infestation

0.5-1 liter per hectare

Heavy infestation

2-3 liters per hectare

Application method

Foliar spray

Target pests

Aphids Thrips Mites Whiteflies Caterpillars

Application timing

When pests are first detected

Safety period

7-14 days before harvest

Precautions

Toxic to bees. Avoid application during flowering. Follow re-entry period.

Crop compatibility

Vegetables Fruits Field crops

Benefits

  • Controls multiple pest species with single application
  • Fast-acting contact and systemic action
  • Cost-effective solution for small to medium farms
  • Widely available and trusted by Omani farmers
  • Effective against resistant pest populations when rotated

Best for

  • Vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens)
  • Fruit trees (date palms, citrus, mango)
  • Field crops (wheat, barley, corn)
  • Ornamental plants and nurseries

Usage tips

  • Apply early morning or late evening to avoid bee activity
  • Ensure thorough coverage of both leaf surfaces
  • Rotate with other insecticide classes to prevent resistance
  • Monitor pest populations before and after application

Storage instructions

Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed. Store separately from food and feed.

Mixing compatibility

Compatible with most fungicides. Do not mix with alkaline products or copper-based fungicides.