Fumigant doses for the control of Trogoderma granarium1

The diapausing larvae of Trogoderma granarium are among the most tolerant of all storage pests to fumigation and effective dosage schedules are required. For this purpose, the toxicity of methyl bromide (MeBr), phosphine, methyl chloroform (MC), ethylene dichloride (EDC) and chlorobromomethane, and of mixtures of MeBr and MC, EDC and MC, and phosphine and MeBr, to diapausing larvae of the pest was examined at 15, 20 or 25°C. At 15 and 20°C the tolerance of larvae was high and very high dosages of MeBr or liquid fumigants, or long exposures to phosphine, were required for total kill. At 25°C larvae were more susceptible to phosphine but retained a high tolerance of other fumigants. A mixture of 2% MeBr in MC showed evidence of potentiation at 25°C and achieved control of larvae at moderate dosages.     

Steric,electronic, and polar parameters that affect the toxic actions of O-alkyl,O-phenyl phosphonothionate insecticides

The toxic action of a series of O-alkyl, O-substituted-phenyl alkyl- and aryl-phosphonates and phosphonothionates have been evaluated by correlating the linear free energy parameters for steric (E_s), electronic (σ), and polar ($\text{σ}{}^1$) effects with topical LD₅₀ to the house fly and oral LD₅₀ to the white mouse. In molecules free from major steric interactions with the reactive P atom, variations in these linear free energy parameters account for >90% of the variations in the LD₅₀ values, and the degree of correlation with LD₅₀ is at least as precise as that with the biomolecular rate constants for inhibition of the target-site enzyme acetylcholinesterase. The value of correlations of linear free energy parameters with LD₅₀ in understanding quantitative structure-activity relationships is illustrated.     

Selective toxicity of analogs of methyl parathion

Analogs of methyl parathion with various substituents in the aryl ring were examined for quantitative toxicity to the female white mouse and the female house fly. Substitution in the 3-position with the halogens produced Selectivity Ratios for mouse LD₅₀/fly LD₅₀ in the order Cl > Br > IF. The compounds with the highest Selectivity Ratios were 2Cl > 3CF₃ > 3CH₃. The biochemical basis for the selectivity of these compounds was explored by evaluation of the kinetics for the inhibition of purified bovine and house fly acetyl cholinesterase by the PO analogs. Differences in the configuration and reactivity of the active sites of the acetyl cholinesterase of the two species explain in part the selectivity of the toxicants. However, selective metabolism also plays a substantial role.     

Enhancement of the toxicity of methyl bromide toTribolium castaneum adults by its admixture with carbon Monoxide

The effect of methyl bromide in admixture with 20%, 30% and 40% carbon monoxide (CO) onTribolium castaneum adults was tested. The combination of methyl bromide with 20% CO increased the toxicity of CH₃Br 1.4-fold, with 30% CO-1.5-fold, and with 40% CO-1.7-fold. It is supposed that the inhibitory effect of CO on the insect’s microsomal mixed-function oxidase and on other enzymatic systems causes this effect.     

The joint action of mixtures of insecticides,or of insect growth regulators and insecticides,on susceptible and diflubenzuron-resistant strains of Spodoptera littoralis boisd

The joint action of insecticides, or of mixtures of insect growth regulators and insecticides, on the susceptible (S) strain and diflubenzuron-resistant (R_d) strain of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. was investigated. The joint action of the insecticides and/or insect growth regulator mixtures was determined by mixing them in proportion to their activity equivalents at the LD₂₅ or ED₂₅ levels. A total of 15 mixtures of two synthetic pyrethroids, two organophosphorus, one carbamate and one organochlorine insecticides, were applied to the fourth-instar larvae of the S and R_d strains. The insecticide mixtures cypermethrin/methomyl and cypermethrin/endrin exhibited high and moderate levels of synergism on the S strain, respectively. However the mixtures chlorpyrifos/methomyl, phosfolan/methomyl, and phosfolan/endrin produced antagonism, while the other mixtures showed varying levels of additive effects. The response of the fourth-instar larvae of the S strain, to the joint action of diflubenzuron/juvenoid, diflubenzuron/insecticide, or insecticide/juvenoid mixtures, revealed that diflubenzuron produced high levels of synergism when combined with methoprene and progressively less with fenvalerate, methomyl and cypermethrin. On the other hand, the mixture diflubenzuron/triprene was antagonistic. Fenvalerate with the two juvenoids produced synergism while methomyl showed an additive effect with methoprene. However, the mixtures cypermethrin/methoprene, cypermethrin/triprene and methomyl/triprene produced antagonism. The mixtures that produced potentiation on the fourth-instar larvae of the S strain lost their high potency when tested against the R_d strain. The results also indicated that insecticide/juvenoid mixtures, when applied on 2-day-old pupae of the S strain, were synergistic, except in the case of cypermethrin/methoprene and methomyl/triprene mixtures, for which additive effects were observed. When the mixtures that had synergistic effects on the S strain were tested on the R_d strain, the results revealed that their synergistic effects were apparently reduced. This was attributed to the fact that the generalised levels of tolerance in the R_d strain towards various compounds may have influenced the several defence mechanisms to act against the synergistic action of the chemical mixtures.     

Extraction of allyl isothiocyanate from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) and its fumigant insecticidal activity on four stored‐product pests of paddy

BACKGROUND: Isothiocyanates (ITCs) extracted from Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., May & Scherb. have been shown previously to have insecticidal activity. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a major component of ITCs with high volatility, was therefore extracted using different methods and tested as a fumigant against four major pest species of stored products, maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.), lesser grain borer Rhizopertha dominica (F.), Tribolium ferrugineum (F.) and book louse Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein). RESULTS: Whereas there was no significant difference between hydrodistillation and supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction in extraction rate for AITC from A. rusticana, both methods resulted in higher extraction efficiency than water extraction. AITC fumigation showed strong toxicity to the four species of stored‐product pests. Adult mortality of 100% of all four pest species, recorded after 72 h exposure to AITC fumes at an atmospheric concentration of 3 µg mL^?1, showed no significant difference from that of insects exposed to phosphine at 5 µg mL^?1, the recommended dose for phosphine. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest good insecticidal efficacy of AITC against the four stored‐product pests, with non‐gaseous residuals on stored products. AITC obtained from A. rusticana may be an alternative to phosphine and methyl bromide against the four pest species. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

The relationship between brain levels of cismethrin and bioresmethrin in female rats and neurotoxic effects

The oral toxicity of 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl-(1R, cis)-chrysanthemate (cismethrin) to female rats decreased as their environmental temperature was raised. Acute oral LD₅₀ values increased from 157 mg/kg at 4°C to 197 mg/kg at 20°C and to > 1000 mg/kg at 30°C. Cismethrin was much more toxic given intravenously when the LD₅₀ was 4.5 mg/kg. This value did not change at different environmental temperatures. Irrespective of the environmental temperature, or route of adminstration, following the respective LD₅₀'s cismethrin caused tremors in rats when brain levels of 0.5–1.0 μg/g were reached and, at death, brain concentrations were 3.9–5.1 μg/g. These results suggested that the accumulation of cismethrin by the brain could be used as a model for the nervous system as a whole. The isomeric 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl-(1R, trans)-chrysanthemate (bioresmethrin) was about 50 times less toxic to rats than cismethrin. After an intravenous LD₅₀, tremors started when brain concentrations were 4–5 μg/g. At death, brain levels were 25–35 μg/g. Plasma esterases were about equally active in hydrolysing cismethrin and bioresmethrin, whereas liver microsomal esterases hydrolyzed bioresmethrin over 10 times more rapidly than cismethrin. It is suggested that the lower toxicity of bioresmethrin is not only due to its faster metabolism but to an intrinsically lower toxicity at the critical site of action in the nervous system.     

Toxicity of cyanogen to insects of stored grain

Range-finding studies on the toxicity of cyanogen to all stages of five species of stored product Coleoptera are reported. The species were Rhyzopertha dominica (F), Sitophilus granarius (L), Sitophilus Oryzae (L), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val and Ephestia cautella (Walker). Exposures for 24 h to cyanogen at 1.3 mg litre(-1) controlled all external stages. Control of internal stages of Sitophilus species was achieved by a 5-day exposure to initial concentrations between 13.7 and 27.4 mg litre(-1), whereas R. dominica was controlled at 13.7 mg litre(-1). Cyanogen showed similar toxicity to all tested external stages and, in this respect, was more similar to methyl bromide than to phosphine. Its toxicity to insects increased with both relative humidity and concentration of carbon dioxide. Cyanogen was toxic to insects whether applied as a gas or in an aqueous solution.     

The ovicidal action of insecticides and insect growth regulator/insecticide mixtures on the eggs of various ages of susceptible and diflubenzuron-resistant strains of Spodoptera littoralis boisd

The ovicidal action of four insecticides and three insect growth regulators, on eggs of various ages of the susceptible (S) strain of Spodoptera littoralis, was investigated. The results revealed that diflubenzuron was the most toxic compound tested on 0-1-day-old eggs, followed by triprene and then methoprene; chlorpyrifos came next in its toxicity, followed by cypermethrin then fenvalerate; methomyl was the least effective. With the progress of embryonic development, 1-2-day-old eggs showed slight tolerance to the action of the pesticides and juvenoids, but apparently resisted the action of diflubenzuron. Eggs 2-3 days old showed increased tolerance to the insecticides and diflubenzuron and, to a lesser extent, to the action of the two juvenoids. A total of 21 insecticide or insect growth regulator-insecticide mixtures, based on their toxicity equivalents (LD₂₅ + LD₂₅), were applied jointly on 0-1-day-old eggs of the S strain. The mixtures which produced high synergism on this stage could be arranged, according to their decreasing order of potentiation, as follows: fenvalerate/diflubenzuron, cypermethrin/triprene, methomyl/methoprene, cypermethrin/methoprene, fenvalerate/ methoprene, cypermethrin/methomyl, cypermethrin/diflubenzuron, fenvalerate/triprene, diflubenzuron/methoprene and methomyl/triprene. The mixtures that produced synergistic effects on 0-1-day-old eggs were also tested against the 1-2 and 2-3-day-oldeggs of the S strain. Theresults indicated that themixtures fenvalerate/diflubenzuron, and cypermethrin with either triprene or diflubenzuron, when tested on 1-2-day-old eggs, produced levels of synergism nearly similar to those achieved on newly deposited eggs. On the other hand, the mixtures cypermethrin/methomyl, and fenvalerate with methoprene or triprene, showed comparatively lower levels of synergism. However, the synergistic action of the mixture cypermethrin/methoprene, previously detected on newly deposited eggs, became an additive effect on 1-2-day-old eggs. Only the mixtures fenvalerate/diflubenzuron, cypermethrin/triprene and fenvalerate/methoprene showed synergism on 2-3-day-old eggs. The mixtures which showed synergistic effects on 0-1-day-old eggs of the S strain were further tested on eggs of various ages of the diflubenzuron-resistant (R_d) strain. As regards 0-1-day-old eggs, only the combinations cypermethrin/triprene, methomyl/methoprene and fenvalerate/methoprene produced additive effects. The mixture cypermethrin/diflubenzuron was still synergistic against newly deposited eggs of the R_d strain, in a manner similar to that indicated with the S strain. Apparent levels of antagonism were shown to the other insecticide-juvenoid mixtures as well as to the diflubenzuron/methoprene combination. The combinations cypermethrin/methomyl and fenvalerate/diflubenzuron had some effect on the freshly deposited eggs of the R_d strain but produced lower levels of potentiation. With the increase in age of the eggs, the mixture cypermethrin/diflubenzuron showed a lower level of synergism on the 1-2 day-old eggs than was observed in younger eggs. The additive effects, previously detected with some of the mixtures on newly deposited eggs became an antagonistic effect for the 1-2-day-old eggs. The eggs at this stage were more able to resist thejoint action of the other mixtures tested. Moreover, with further increase in the age of the eggs, the combination cypermethrin/diflubenzuron produced a lower level of potentiation on 2-3 day-old eggs, followed by fenvalerate/diflubenzuron at an even lower level, while the other mixtures showed various levels of antagonism.     

Carbon dioxide as a potential fumigant for termite control

Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were exposed to ? 95% or 50% carbon dioxide atmospheres for intervals of 24-120 h at 26(±3)°C. A 24-h exposure to ? 95% carbon dioxide caused significant termite mortality, but 60 h were required for complete mortality. Exposure to 50% carbon dioxide for 60 h resulted in approximately 70% termite mortality, while complete mortality was recorded after 120 h. When termites were sealed in wooden blocks (90 × 90 × 152 mm), 72-96 h exposure to ? 95% carbon dioxide was necessary for complete control. A limited study with Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) suggested that this drywood termite is also susceptible to carbon dioxide fumigation, although slightly longer exposures may be required than with C. formosanus. Carbon dioxide-modified atmospheres are a viable alternative to conventional fumigants for vault fumigation of termite-infested materials, and may also be applicable to larger-scale fumigations to control structural pests.     

Efficacy of vaporised ethyl formate/carbon dioxide formulation against stored‐grain insects: effect of fumigant concentration,exposure time and two grain temperatures

BACKGROUND: The ethyl formate/carbon dioxide (CO₂) formulation Vapormate? is a rapid‐acting fumigant being developed for the control of stored‐grain insects. The effects have been investigated of concentration, exposure times of 1, 3, 24 and 72 h and two grain temperatures, 15 and 25 °C, on its efficacy against mixed‐stage cultures of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and strongly phosphine‐resistant Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) strain QRD569. RESULTS: High mortalities (≥92%) of mixed‐stage cultures of all three species were obtained when grain was fumigated with the formulation (193 g m^?3 ethyl formate) for 1 h. Complete control of R. dominica QRD569 and T. castaneum was achieved with 63 and 76 g m^?3 ethyl formate respectively, with exposure for 24 h, whereas mean mortality of S. oryzae was 86% under the same conditions. Mortalities of S. oryzae juvenile stages were significantly lower than adults under the conditions tested, which was due to pronounced tolerance of mid‐stage pupae to the fumigant. Reducing grain temperature from 25 to 15 °C had no effect on insect mortality. CONCLUSION: Ethyl formate/CO₂ formulation is highly effective against stored‐grain insects over a range of concentrations and exposure times. Efficacious fumigations were conducted in as little as 1 h, and a strongly phosphine‐resistant R. dominica strain was readily controlled with the fumigant. Copyright © 2009 CSIRO, Australia. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

磷化氢和溴甲烷复合熏蒸红心火龙果携带番石榴实蝇技术研究

本文研究了磷化氢(PH₃)和溴甲烷(MB)复合熏蒸对番石榴实蝇的毒力以及对红心火龙果采后品质的影响。结果表明,复合熏蒸方式下,各个浓度的磷化氢和溴甲烷均存在增效,当溴甲烷浓度为4 g/m³时,复合熏蒸发挥最佳增效效果的磷化氢浓度为1.42 g/m³。复合熏蒸番石榴实蝇仅需13.19 g/m³的溴甲烷即可在95%置信区间下达到致死率99.996 8%。与对照相比,复合熏蒸对火龙果的外观和内部品质无显著影响,而与溴甲烷单独熏蒸相比,复合处理会显著降低呼吸强度并减少药害。因此,溴甲烷和磷化氢复合处理对番石榴实蝇具有协同效应,表明磷化氢和溴甲烷复合熏蒸有可能成为水果采后处理的一种新策略。     

Interaction of substerilizing Gamma radiation and thiodicarb treatment for management of the Tobacco caterpillarSpodoptera litura

The F₁ sterility technique (inherited sterility using substerile insects) has been proposed for reproductive suppression of lepidopteran pests. Management of lepidopteran pests using F₁ sterility may be greatly influenced by other possible strategies, including chemical control measures. Within this context, a laboratory investigation was undertaken of the tobacco caterpillarSpodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to assess the bioefficacy of a substerilizing dose (70 Gy) of gamma radiation on bio-characteristics(viz., adult survival, fecundity, egg hatch, F₁ larval weight, F₁ pupation, F₁ sex ratio); to establish the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of an oxime carbamate insecticide, thiodicarb (Larvin®75 WP), toS. litura; and determine the interaction of thiodicarb with the F₁ insects derived from a substerilizing gamma dose. A dose of 70 Gy administered to 7-day-old male pupae reduced the the eclosion by ~ 10%. When the eclosed males (derived from treated pupae) were mated with normal females, the fecundity and fertility were decreased as compared with control (0 Gy). Analysis of body weight of the F₁ larvae showed no significant influence of radiation,i.e., growth was comparable to that of normal progeny, which is a positive factor in the sterile-insect technique. Bioassay on newly molted 6th instar larvae with thiodicarb (Larvin®75 WP) showed that the LD₅₀ of the insecticide was 6.76µg g^-1 in the combined treatment (radiation to P₁ male pupae + thiodicarb to F₁ larvae), as compared with 28.67 µg g_-1 in the chemical treatment (thiodicarb), indicating that the toxicity of the insecticide to the F₁ progeny was increased 4.24 times by the radiation treatment, which is a markedly pronounced effect. Further studies of the combined effect of radiation and insecticide on pupation and sex ratio of F₁ progeny showed that pupation was affected more by the combined treatment than by the insecticide alone, whereas the sex ratio was skewed in favor of males in both the combined treatment and the chemical treatment, indicating that thiodicarb was selectively more toxic to females. The possible interaction and potential and the feasible approaches of integrating F₁ sterility and thiodicarb treatment are discussed for management of the lepidopteran pestS. litura.     

Modern means and methods of plant product fumigation in the USSR1

Recent advances in fumigation technique in the USSR are reviewed. The problem of fumigation in containers is being approached by introduction of the gas through air-holes. Mixtures of methyl bromide with carbon dioxide are being used increasingly against storage pests, and allow lower dosage rates and safer application conditions. Recent experience on quarantine fumigation of potato tubers against Phthorimaea operculella is reviewed, and finally research is reported on neutralizers and absorbents of methyl bromide used to facilitate degassing.     

Comparative toxicity of several insecticides to eggs,larvae and adults of the Egyptian cottonworm,Spodoptera littoralis,in laboratory trials

Insecticides commonly used in cotton fields in Israel against lepidopterous pests were tested against eggs, as well as against 2nd-instar larvae and adults raised from eggs ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) collected in cotton fields in the Bet She’an Valley. Methomyl, chlorpyrifos, methidathion, monocrotophos, ethyl parathion, and methyl parathion were effective against eggs even at low doses, profenofos and phosfolan were less active, and azinphos-methyl was ineffective. The doses needed for 90% kill (LD ₉₀ ) of the 2nd-instar larvae were 8.5, 35, 280, 1300 and 3400 g a.i./1000 m ² for chlorpyrifos, methomyl, profenofos, methyl parathion and ethyl parathion, respectively; monocrotophos was inactive against 2nd-instar larvae even at relatively high doses. The LD ₉₀ of adults was reached with 16, 32, 1700 and 6100 ga.i./l000 m² of chlorpyrifos, methomyl, ethyl parathion and profenofos, respectively. Only chlorpyrifos and methomyl gave successful control of all three stages of the insect tested, at doses close to those generally used with aerial applications.     

Allium spp thiosulfinates as substitute fumigants for methyl bromide

Methyl bromide, the most widely used fumigant, is considered to be one of the major factors causing depletion of the ozone layer, and this is likely to lead to it being banned in the near future. Allium sulfur volatiles (thiosulfinates, R-S-SO-R′; R, R′=Me, Pr, y Allul), known to be nematicides, have been evaluated as insecticides against insect pests in stored products, in comparison with their degradation compounds (disulfides) which have already been tested. Methyl and allyl thiosulfinates, with 24-h LD₅₀ values of 0.02–0.25 mg litre⁻¹, were more active than disulfides against six test insects and were superior to methyl bromide; it is suggested that they could be used as alternatives to methyl bromide in stored product control. ©1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential of zimtaldehyde, 4-allyl-anisol, linalool, terpineol and other phytochemicals for the control of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum J. d. V.) (Col., Tenebrionidae)

Toxicity and repellency effects of several pure compounds (of plant origin) against the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) were investigated in a filter paper test. The compounds were α-pinen, β-pinen, 4-allyl-anisol, camphor, 1,8-cineol, eugenol, linalool, menthol, piperin, terpineol, thymol and zimtaldehyde. Five compounds (4-allyl-anisol, linalood, terpineol, thymol and zimtaldehyde) caused enough mortality of this insect to allow the determination of LD₅₀ and LD₉₅ values. Zimtaldehyde and 4-allyl-anisol showed the strongest toxicity effects with LD₅₀ values of 0.04–0.05 μl/cm² within an exposure period of 24 h. When the isolated fumigant effects were tested by separating the insects from the filter paper, the toxicity of zimtaldehyde (LD₅₀=0.29 μl/cm²) was much lower than that of 4-allyl-anisol (LD₅₀=0.10μl/cm²).     

Potential of zimtaldehyde, 4-allyl-anisol, linalool, terpineol and other phytochemicals for the control of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum J. d. V.) (Col., Tenebrionidae)

Toxicity and repellency effects of several pure compounds (of plant origin) against the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) were investigated in a filter paper test. The compounds were α-pinen, β-pinen, 4-allyl-anisol, camphor, 1,8-cineol, eugenol, linalool, menthol, piperin, terpineol, thymol and zimtaldehyde. Five compounds (4-allyl-anisol, linalood, terpineol, thymol and zimtaldehyde) caused enough mortality of this insect to allow the determination of LD₅₀ and LD₉₅ values. Zimtaldehyde and 4-allyl-anisol showed the strongest toxicity effects with LD₅₀ values of 0.04–0.05 μl/cm² within an exposure period of 24 h. When the isolated fumigant effects were tested by separating the insects from the filter paper, the toxicity of zimtaldehyde (LD₅₀=0.29 μl/cm²) was much lower than that of 4-allyl-anisol (LD₅₀=0.10μl/cm²).     

Cross-Resistance to Imidacloprid in Strains of German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) and House Fly (Musca domestica)

The toxicity of a promising new insecticide, imidacloprid, was evaluated against several susceptible and resistant strains of German cockroach and house fly. Imidacloprid rapidly immobilized German cockroaches followed by a period of about 72 h during which some cockroaches recovered. After 72 h there was no further recovery. Imidacloprid-treated houseflies were immobilized more slowly than treated cockroaches, with the maximum effect observed after 72 h, and there was no recovery. Based upon 72-h LD₅₀ values imidacloprid was moderately toxic to German cockroaches (LD₅₀ values were 6–8 ng mg^-1) and had only low toxicity to house flies (LD₅₀ 140 ng mg^-1). Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) blocked the observed recovery in German cockroaches. PBO also greatly enhanced the 72-h LD₅₀ of imidacloprid from 43- to 59-fold in cockroaches and 86-fold in house flies. Two strains of German cockroach (Baygon-R and Pyr-R) showed >4-fold cross-resistance to imidacloprid. This cross-resistance could not be suppressed by PBO, suggesting that P450 monooxygenase-mediated detoxication is not responsible for this cross-resistance. Variation in the level of synergism observed with PBO (between strains) suggests the ‘basal’ level of monooxygenase-mediated detoxication of imidacloprid is quite variable between strains of German cockroach. The AVER and LPR strains of house fly showed significant cross-resistance to imidacloprid. PBO reduced the level of cross-resistance in AVER from >4·2-fold to 0·5-fold (i.e. the AVER strain LD₅₀ was half that of the susceptible strain when both were treated with PBO), but PBO did not suppress the cross-resistance in LPR. These data suggest monooxygenases are the mechanism responsible for cross-resistance to imidacloprid in AVER, but not in the LPR strain. © of SCI.     

Determination of unchanged residues of a pyrethroid insecticide,PYR-VU-TO2, in sheep internal organ tissues

During subacute toxicological testing of PYR-VU-TO2, a novel cypermethrin-like pyrethroid with a high (150:1) cis: trans ratio, its distribution in skeletal muscle and internal organ tissues of two groups of experimental sheep was investigated after oral administration of two different doses (1/10 and 1/20 of the LD₁₀). Residual levels of PYR-VU-TO2 were also observed in sheep blood after administration of a single dose of the compound. Homogenized internal organ tissues and blood samples were extracted in light petroleum distillate+acetone for 15 min. After filtration, the extract was cleaned up on a ‘Florisil’^R and sodium sulfate layer. The pyrethroid elution was processed with acetone+light petroleum distillate (2+98 by volume). Recoveries ranged from 80.7 to 93.5%. Unchanged PYR-VU-TO2 residues were determined on a 1.5-m stainless steel packed column under isothermal conditions with an electron-capture detector. The results were evaluated by the calibration curve method. The coefficients of variation were generally lower than 5% and determination limit for PYR-VU-TO2 was 20 μg kg^?1. Mean unchanged PYR-VU-TO2 residues lay within a wide range. After six weeks of treatment the following order of tissue residue levels could be stated: heart>lung>muscle>spleen>kidney>liver>brain, and spleen>muscle>lung>heart>liver>kidney>brain for experimental groups I and II, respectively. Only small differences between the residues in the tissues of males and females were found in the first group (daily PYR-VU-TO2 dose of 50 mg kg^?1 live weight). The experimental females of the second group (daily PYR-VU-TO2 dose of 200 mg kg^?1 body weight) revealed higher levels (other than spleen) than did the males. Maximum PYR-VU-TO2 residues in sheep blood were found 24 h after administration of a single dose. Confirmation of the results was carried out by determination of 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid methyl ester by capillary GC.