Abstract: In the fumigation of bulk materials such as grain with hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) the gas containing hydrogen phosphide is caused to circulate in a closed loop passing through the bulk material and past the zone of phosphine generation in pulses having a flow rate, duration and pulse intervals so designed that excessive or dangerous accumulations of gas are avoided and that optimum conditions for pest control are attained throughout the system as soon as possible. The intersticial gas of the commodity is changed by the circulation from 5 to 15 times within the period required for 90% of the available phosphine of the metal phosphide to be released.

Abstract: A pesticide composition comprising a particulate hydrolyzable metal phosphide is rendered liquid phase water repellent by treating particles of the composition with a silicon-organic compound. The silicon-organic compound has at least one reactive moiety, preferably hydrogen capable of reacting with and binding to reactive sites contained on surfaces of particles of the composition. Preferably, the reactive group is hydrogen and the reactive site is a hydroxy group. The silicon-organic compound can also undergo cross-linking reactions. In the water-repellent treatment the silicon-organic compound may be applied to and be reacted to become bonded to any of the solid ingredients of the composition, including urea which serves as a self-ignition inhibitor. Preferably at least part of the silicon organic compound is bonded to particles of the metal phosphide. Advantages result if all the silicon-organic compound is thus bound to the metal phosphide.

Abstract: In the fumigation of bulk materials such as grain with hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) the gas containing hydrogen phosphide is caused to circulate in a closed loop passing through the bulk material and past the zone of phosphine generation in pulses having a flow rate, duration and pulse intervals so designed that excessive or dangerous accumulations of gas are avoided and that optimum conditions for pest control are attained throughout the system as soon as possible. The intersticial gas of the commodity is changed by the circulation from 5 to 15 times within the period required for 90% of the available phosphine of the metal phosphide to be released.

Abstract: A pesticide composition comprising a particulate hydrolyzable metal phosphide is rendered liquid phase water repellent by treating particles of the composition with a silicon-organic compound. The silicon-organic compound has at least one reactive moiety, preferably hydrogen capable of reacting with and binding to reactive sites contained on surfaces of particles of the composition. Preferably, the reactive group is hydrogen are the reactive site is a hydroxy group. The silicon-organic compound can also undergo cross-linking reactions. In the water-repellent treatment the silicon-organic compound may be applied to and be reacted to become bonded to any of the solid ingredients of the composition, including urea which serves as a self-ignition inhibitor. Preferably at least part of the silicon-organic compound is bonded to particles of the metal phosphide. Advantages result if all the silicon-organic compound is thus bound to the metal phosphide.

Abstract: A phosphine releasing composition suitable for use as a pest control agent comprising a mixture of aluminium phosphide, zinc or a zinc compound and a source of ammonia or ammonium ion, can be produced by mixing the components. The zinc or zinc compound in combination with the ammonia or ammonium ion protects the compositions when exposed to water vapor or liquid water against auto-ignition.

Abstract: A pesticide composition comprising a particulate hydrolyzable metal phosphide is rendered liquid phase water repellent by treating particles of the composition with a silicon-organic compound. The silicon-organic compound has at least one reactive moiety, preferably hydrogen capable of reacting with and binding to reactive sites contained on surfaces of particles of the composition. Preferably, the reactive group is hydrogen and the reactive site is a hydroxy group. The silicon-organic compound can also undergo cross-linking reactions. In the water-repellent treatment the silicon-organic compound may be applied to and be reacted to become bonded to any of the solid ingredients of the composition, including urea which serves as a self-ignition inhibitor. Preferably at least part of the silicon-organic compound is bonded to particles of the metal phosphide. Advantages result if all the silicon-organic compound is thus bound to the metal phosphide.

Abstract: The invention provides a pesticide containing an aluminium or magnesium phosphide and an ignition inhibiting agent essentially consisting of at least one aromatic hydrocarbon which suppresses the tendency of phosphin evolved under the influence of e.g. atmospheric moisture, to self-ignite.