Contamination of Nectar with the Systemic Insecticide ‘Schradan’

Abstract

RIPPER et al.¹ have shown that the organophosphorus insecticide, octamethylpyrophosphoramide (‘Schradan’), when sprayed on leaves, is absorbed and translocated to other parts of the plant. Metcalf and March² have demonstrated the tolerance to ‘Schradan’ shown by the honey bee. Using radioactive ‘Schradan’, containing phosphorus-32, we have examined the possibility of the unchanged insecticide being present in the nectar of flowers and afterwards appearing in honey.