Hydrogen cyanide

June 2005. Information was requested on the use of HCN as a fumigant for arthropod pests on fresh fruit and vegetables. What types of fruit can it be used on, and what is the efficacy, rate of application, possible affects on shelf life, safety concerns, etc.

The FAO manual for fumigation for insect control states the following:

1. This fumigant is very soluble in water and it may produce injury on moist materials such as fruit and vegetables.
2. This fumigant is absorbed by many materials and is possibly hazardous for human consumtion.
3. HCN is not generally recommended for the fumigation of fresh fruit and vegetables.