AltosidŽ (methoprene)

Methoprene is an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), which is the active ingredient in the larvicide Altosid. A larvicide attacks mosquitoes in the larval stage, when they are waterborne and concentrated together, before they emerge as breeding, biting adults. Methoprene's disruption of the mosquito growth cycle allows it to be defined as a bio-rational agent, rather than a conventional pesticide. It specifically targets mosquito larvae, but does not kill them until they reach their next developmental stage, the pupae. This can be key to preserving the natural food chain, since mosquito larvae can be a minor food source for other organisms. In addition, extensive studies have shown that methoprene breaks down quickly in the environment, spares non-target organisms, and poses no hazard to humans.

Altosid can be used in briquet form, a formulation that contains 7.9% methoprene, or in pellets that contain 4.25% methoprene. These are placed in areas where mosquito breeding occurs, and over a period of at least 30 and up to 45 days (depending on formulation) methoprene is continually released. CMMCP currently uses methoprene in catch basins only for the control of Culex mosquitoes. Control of Culex is important in the control of West Nile Virus.

Methoprene has no effect on mosquitoes that have already reached the pupal or adult stage.

*Altosid is a registered trademark*

ALTOSID WSP

Pesticide Labels:

AltosidŽ WSP

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS):

AltosidŽ WSP

Pesticide Information Profile/Methoprene

EPA Profile on Methoprene

 

 

DISCLAIMER -- The outside links provided on this page are provided for information purposes only. The listing of these links does not imply endorsement by CMMCP, nor does CMMCP make any claims as to the accuracy of the information contained in the information found at each link.

 

 

 

 

 

Systematic name

 

1-methylethyl (E,E)-11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate

 

Other names

Methoprene, Altosid, Apex, Diacan, Dianex, Kabat, Minex, Pharorid, Precor, ZR-515

 

Chemical formula

 

C19H34O3

 

Molecular mass

 

310.48 g/mol

 

Melting point

 

<25°C

 

Boiling point

 

100°C at 0.05 mmHg

 

CAS number

 

[40596-69-8]

 

SMILES

 

CC(C)(OC)CCCC(C)C/C=C/C

 

(C)=C/C(OC(C)C)=O