noun
- A synthetic organic insecticide of the organophosphate class, used to control aphids and other plant pests.
Usage: technical; chemistry/agriculture; largely phased out in many countries due to toxicity concerns
Examples
- Demeton was widely used in agriculture during the mid-20th century to protect crops from insect damage.
- The pesticide demeton acts by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in insects.
- Environmental regulations have restricted the use of demeton in many developed nations.
- Farmers applied demeton to control aphid populations on their fruit trees.