Monocrotophos

Monocrotophos is a systemic organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used to control a wide range of pests, including sucking, chewing, and boring insects and spider mites, on citrus fruits, vegetables, cereals, and sugar cane. Classified by WHO as highly hazardous, it is acutely toxic to humans, birds, and beneficial insects, and many countries have banned it after poisoning incidents among farm workers. Where any use remains, strict maximum residue limits and pre-harvest intervals apply, and treated crops must be monitored. Monitoring laboratories screen produce for monocrotophos as part of pesticide surveillance programs, rejecting consignments that exceed tolerances.