I posted this on another topic a while back, but it didn't get a response.

In rummaging through my supply of garden potions and brews today I pulled a bottle of Ortho's systemic insecticide (http://www.scotts.com/media/media/pdf/productGuide/labels/Systemic%20Insect%20Killer.pdf). It contains Acephate which is a organophosphate and fenbutatin-oxide. Acephate appears to have a short half life while fenbutatin-oxide looks like is has a long half life (Maybe a 1, 2 punch to kill off an infestation?). In doing a web search, it appears both have been used on citrus and other food crops, but the label says not for use on food products. I use it on my rootstock seedlings since they won't produce citrus for years to come. I also use it on my plum and apple tree after the fruit is all gone under the premise that the tree will loose it's leaves and the residual product will be minimal by the next season. Does anyone know about the safety of the product? Being systemic, will it remain in the bark and sap after the tree looses it's leaves and to what extent.

Phillip

http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/fatememo/acephate.pdf

This site says it is rapidly broken down in plants, so my educated guess is it would be safe used as you described.

It is not that high in acute toxicity either, at over 800 mg/kg (in chickens) on the site I found, but, as with all pesticides, handle carefully. One major use was on lettuce!

Thanks Skeet. Now if I can just cure my new golden retriever puppy from invading my garden, I might actually get produce this year. I caught her eating a tangelo (whole) yesterday. I had notice they were disappearing from the tree, but I assumed my wife was eating them while I was at work.

Phillip

My labs are fond of my yellow tomatoes and pick them right off the vine. You might try spraying the ones that you dog can reach with red pepper spray--they don't like the heat!