Organophosphorous and carbamate insecticides as soil treatments for the control of wireworms

Abstract

SUMMARY Laboratory methods are described for testing soil insecticides against wireworms, and the results obtained with some organophosphorus and carbamate compounds tried as possible alternatives to chlorinated hydrocarbons are reported. The most promising compounds in the laboratory tests were thionazin, O‐ethyl S‐p‐tolylethylphosphonodithioate (Bayer 38156) and fenthion. These were tested in a small‐plot field trial with cereals, on land severely infested with wireworms: the compounds were applied to the soil as sprays at 2·7 lb./acre active ingredient before the crop was drilled. Fenthion was ineffective, but thionazin and Bayer 38156 each increased yields significantly and the increases were associated with diminished wireworm populations.

A laboratory study of the effects of some soil-applied organophosphorus pesticides on Carabidae (Coleoptera)

“…Differences in susceptibilities between male and female P. vulgaris were greater than those for B. lampros probably because of the greater differences (P < 0-05) in weights of the sexes (Table II). The critical concentrations are within the dosage rates recommended for control of insect or nematode pests of agricultural crops, 2-8 lb/acre (2-24-8-96 kg/ha) and 8-32 lb/acre (8-96-35-84 kg/ha), respectively (Barker & Sasser, 1959;French, 1964;Griffiths & Bardner, 1964;Harrison, 1965;Howitt & Cole, 1962;Mulla, 1965;Shanks & Howitt, 1964;Steinhauer et ah, 1962;Suit & Feldman, 1961).…”

The biology and management of wireworms (Agriotes spp.) on potato with particular reference to the U.K.

“…Laboratory work investigating organophosphorus (OP) compounds as replacement soil insecticides for wireworm control suggested that the most promising compounds were thionazin and fenthion (Grif®ths & Bardner, 1964). Subsequent ®eld experiments on cereals (Grif®ths et al, 1967) and potato demonstrated that although the OP insecticides such as phorate (Caldicott & Isherwood, 1967;Edwards & Thompson, 1971) reduced wireworm populations, none were as effective as organochlorine compounds such as aldrin.…”