dimethoate

Dimethoate is a widely used organophosphate insecticide and acaricide. It was patented and introduced in the 1950s by American Cyanamid. Like other organophosphates, dimethoate is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which disables cholinesterase, an enzyme essential for central nervous system function. It acts both by contact and through ingestion. It is readily absorbed and distributed throughout plant tissues, and is degraded relatively rapidly. One of the breakdown products of dimethoate is omethoate, a potent cholinesterase inhibitor, is ten times more toxic than its parent compound.

== Uses == Dimethoate is a general use insecticide for combatting insects such as aphids, mites, beetles, weevils, and leafhoppers. Dimethoate is formulated as emulsifiable concentrates or wettable powders to be applied primarily as foliar sprays. The majority of the approximately 800.000 kg (1.8 million pounds) of dimethoate used annually in the U.S. is accounted for by applications on alfalfa, wheat, cotton, and corn crops. In 2005, dimethoate usage was cancelled in the U.S. for use on apples, broccoli raab, cabbage, collards, grapes, head lettuce, and spinach due to being identified as significant dietary risk contributors. Dimethoate also has applications as a form of botfly and mite control in livestock. As of 2000, dimethoate is cancelled for usage in residential and non-agriculture applications in the U.S