Analysis of commercially available zinc phosphide from Bangladesh — Implications for rodent control

Farmers in Bangladesh seem reluctant to purchase zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) for use in rodent control, primarily because of a concern over the quality of the technical powder available from local distributors. During 1988, packets of Zn3P2 were purchased from the shelves of 23 distributors in Bangladesh and analyzed for technical purity. Only 2 of 23 distributors sold Zn3P2 containing at least 80% (a.i.), while 14 distributors sold material ranging from 15% to nondetectable. Such a lack of quality control is not acceptable if farmers in Bangladesh are to use this material as a primary method of rodent control in agriculture.