SHELF LIFE OF PESTICIDES IN COMMON USE BY FRUIT GROWERS 



Jeffrey Carlson 

 Assistant Pesticide Coordinator 

 Department of Entomology 

 University of Massachusetts 



Fruit growers frequently ask how long pesticides can be stored 

 and still be effective. To answer this question, we have obtained 

 information on 10 fruit pesticides in common use by consulting the 

 manufacturers of these chemicals. The information below can give 

 only a general idea of the shelf life as it is ultimately deter- 

 mined by conditions of storage, as well as chemical stability. The 

 following storage conditions should be observed, also, please con- 

 sult the label for any specific conditions for particular chemicals. 



1. Store pesticides in a dry, well-ventilated place at tem- 

 peratures above freezing. 



2. Always keep a pesticide in its original container and make 

 sure it is tightly sealed. 



3. Store granular or powdered materials above the ground to 

 avoid dampness. 



4. Keep the temperature under 100°F if storing volatile com- 

 pounds. 



5. Keep volatile herbicides separate from other pesticides 

 to avoid contamination. 



6. Keep an accurate inventory of the stored chemicals. It is 

 to your benefit to use up the pesticides that you've purchased as 

 soon as possible. Don't forget about them in the back room. Rotate 

 stock; use older materials first! 



Common Name (Trade Name) Shelf Life Comments 



phosmet,WP (Imidan) 2-3 years Good stability under nor- 

 mal storage conditions. 



dodine,WP (Cyprex) 2-3 years Could be stored up to 5 



years provided container 

 is tightly closed and 

 the room is kept cool 

 and dry. 



azinphos-methyl,WP 2 years Under normal storage con- 



(Guthion) ditions. 



thiram,WP (Thylate) 4 years If kept dry, package is 



sealed tightly, and is 

 stored at temperature un- 

 der 100°F. 



