Screening extracts of Achyranthes japonica and Rumex crispus for activity against various plant pathogenic fungi and control of powdery mildew

Methanol extracts of fresh materials of 183 plants were screened for in vivo antifungal activity against Magnaporthe grisea, Corticium sasaki, Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora infestans, Puccinia recondita and Erysiphe graminis f sp hordei. Among them, 33 plant extracts showed disease-control efficacy of more than 90% against at least one of six plant diseases. The methanol extracts of Achyranthes japonica (whole plant) and Rumex crispus (roots) at concentrations greater than 11 g fresh weight of plant tissue per litre of aqueous Tween 20 solution effectively controlled the development of barley powdery mildew caused by E graminis f sp hordei in an in vivo assay using plant seedlings. At a concentration of 300 g fresh weight of plant tissue per litre of Tween 20 solution, the two extracts were as efficient as the fungicide fenarimol (30 mg litre(-1)) and more active than the fungicide polyoxin B (100 and 33 mg litre(-1)) against Sphaerotheca fuliginea on cucumber plants in glasshouse trials.     

Toxicity of the chitin synthesis inhibitors,diflubenzuron and its dichloro-analogue,to Spodoptera littoralis larvae

The activities of the chitin synthesis inhibitors, diflubenzuron and PH 60–38, against Spodoptera littoralis larvae were assayed by feeding treated alfalfa or poisoned wheat bran baits, by allowing the larvae to imbibe sucrose-containing aqueous dispersions of the compounds, and by injection into larvae. PH 60–38 was less active than diflubenzuron. On alfalfa, diflubenzuron had to be fed for at least 2 days to prevent formation of normal pupae and emergence of adults. For very big (480–540 mg) larvae, feeding diflubenzuron at concentrations of 50 mg/litre for 2 days or 2.5 mg/litre for 3 days prevented adult emergence. For 200–250 mg larvae, this was achieved by feeding concentrations of 100 mg/litre for 2 days, 5 mg/litre for 3 days or 3.5 mg/litre for 4 days. In all larvae > 150 mg, mortality in feeding experiments occurred in the prepupal or the pupal stage. Only with 30–50 mg and 100–150 mg larvae was there considerable mortality during moults between larval instars, the larvae being unable to liberate themselves from the old larval skins and head capsules. Diflubenzuron incorporated into wheat bran baits at concentrations of from 2.5 to 10 000 μg/g killed approximately 70–90% of the insects. When imbibed, diflubenzuron was much less toxic as a wettable powder than as a liquid formulation but the two formulations were equitoxic when injected into the larvae.     

Effects of DL-methionine on hatching and activity of Meloidogyne incognita eggs and juveniles

Several concentrations of DL-methionine were tested in the laboratory for their effects on Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood egg hatching and juvenile activity in aqueous suspensions and infested soil. After 7 days in methionine solutions, the proportions of hatched eggs were reduced by 23.3% at 0.25 mg litre(-1) methionine and by 76.4% at 25 g litre(-1) when compared with controls in tap water. An effect of methionine solutions on juvenile activity was also apparent after 24 h in the 25 g litre(-1) treatment, where the percentage of active M incognita juveniles was reduced by 16.3%. Further reductions in nematode mobility were observed as the time of exposure increased, and at lower methionine concentrations over longer exposure times. When methionine solutions were applied to soil infested with M incognita, reductions in egg hatching and juvenile activity were observed at 0.1 and 1 mg methionine g(-1) soil in both sand and clay-loam soils. The percentage of hatched eggs one week after methionine application at rates of 1 mg g(-1) was lower in sand (5.6%) and clay-loam soil (20.8%) than in controls where egg hatch was 52.0% and 48.0% in sand and soil, respectively. Non-active juveniles were found at 1 mg methionine g(-1) soil one week after its application to soil.     

Monitoring of insecticide resistance in damson hop aphid,Phorodon humuli Schrank (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from German hop gardens

The damson hop aphid, Phorodon humuli (Schrank) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most important sucking pests of many hop-growing areas world-wide. In this study we determined the efficacy of several insecticides against strains collected throughout the year 2001. All strains were collected in different hop gardens in the Hallertau (Bavaria), Germany, the largest hop-growing area of the world. First of all we established a leaf dip bioassay, carried out using six-well tissue culture plates and appropriate for monitoring susceptibility against imidacloprid, oxydemeton-methyl, cyfluthrin, amitraz, pymetrozine and pirimicarb. Four of these compounds, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, pymetrozine and amitraz, are currently registered for the control of sucking pests in German hop gardens and are useful against P. humuli. The leaf-dip bioassay system turned out to be very reliable and robust. Ten P. humuli strains were collected in May 2001 and maintained in the laboratory to assess their resistance to the different insecticides in comparison with two laboratory reference strains (H2 and H5). Using diagnostic concentrations, resistance monitoring for imidacloprid and cyfluthrin was investigated during July and August 2001 on 53 populations from 30 sites around the Hallertau, an area of ca 2500 km2. Resistance to diagnostic concentrations (LC95 for reference strains) of imidacloprid, amitraz and pymetrozine was not detected in any strain received in 2001, but late-season (August) populations seemed to respond more heterogeneously than those collected mid-season (July). Overall composite mean mortalities to diagnostic concentrations of imidacloprid (13 mg litre(-1)) in collections from May, July and August were 95 (+/-2.5), 98 (+/-2.3) and 87 (+/-5.9)%, respectively. Moderate resistance to pyrethroids was observed in all strains collected in May and August using a diagnostic concentrations of 10 mg litre(-1) cyfluthrin (LC95 of the susceptible reference strain H5). Slight to moderate resistance to diagnostic concentrations of oxydemeton-methyl and pirimicarb was observed in some, but not all, strains collected early season. The results are discussed in terms of the implemention of hop aphid resistance management strategies in German hop-cultivation areas.     

Penetration of bean leaves by aminotriazole as influenced by adjuvants and humidity

Penetration of bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris var. Canadian Wonder) by aminotriazole (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) was greatly enhanced under high humidity conditions (ca 10% in 17 h at the low humidity level (LHL) compared with ca 80% in 2 h at the high humidity level (HHL)). The addition of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20) to the spray fluid increased penetration on all occasions at the LHL. The increase obtained was found to be dependent on the concentration of polysorbate 20. The inclusion of polysorbate 20 at the HHL resulted in an increase in aminotriazole penetration at low polysorbate 20 concentrations 0.2–12.8 g/litre and a non-significant decrease over the aqueous control at a concentration of 40 g/litre. With additions of glycerol to the spray fluid, aminotriazole penetration was increased on all occasions at the LHL while at the HHL no concentration of glycerol was found to enhance penetration. The addition of polysorbate 20 (< 0.1 to 40 g/litre) to a spray solution containing glycerol (0.3 ml/litre) enhanced penetration at the HHL compared with the aqueous and glycerol controls. A polysorbate 20 plus glycerol combination (6.4 g+0.6 ml/litre) gave the same order of penetration (98.4 and 94.0%) at the HHL and LHL respectively. In both cases penetration exceeded that obtained with the corresponding polysorbate 20 and glycerol controls. Some of the practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Deposition and drift of ulv and vlv insecticide sprays applied to cotton by hand applicator in northern nigeria

Experiments have been carried out in northern Nigeria to study the deposition and drift of the small spray droplets (70–130 μ v.m.d.), utilised in the application of carbaryl plus an indicating dye, to cotton, at very low volume rates (6–12 litre/ha) using water-based formulations and at ultralow volume rates (3 litre/ha) using waterless formulations. The character of the deposition and extent of drift have been shown to relate to spray droplet size, formulation and a combination of meteorological factors. Practical recommendations have been evolved for very low volume and ultralow volume techniques in which the time of application is restricted to those periods of the day which favour high recovery.     

Evaluation of aqueous Moringa seed extract as a seed treatment biofungicide for groundnuts

In a search for alternatives to currently used fungicides, the potential of aqueous Moringa seed extract (AMSE) as a seed treatment was evaluated. Seeds of groundnut, Arachis hypogea L cv Dakar, were soaked in AMSE at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g litre(-1) for 24 h. Comparison was made with Apron Plus (metalaxyl+carboxin+furathiocarb), until recently a recommended seed-treatment chemical, and distilled water, which was the medium for extraction of Moringa seeds. The results showed that AMSE has potential for use as a biofungicide on groundnut seeds, since all the concentrations used except 1 g litre(-1) brought about significant reduction in the incidence of fungi on the seeds, such reduction increasing as the dosage of AMSE increased. There were no significant differences in control between the highest concentration of AMSE (20 g litre(-1)) and Apron Plus at the manufacturer's recommended level. Water also produced slight reductions in the incidence of fungi, although this was not significant at P = 0.05. The sensitivity to AMSE of the fungi tested varied, Mucor sp being the most sensitive and Aspergillus niger the least, with Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus intermediate.     

Insecticidal activity of deoxypodophyllotoxin, isolated from Juniperus sabina L, and related lignans against larvae of Pieris rapae L

In the course of screening for naturally occurring insecticides from plants from the northwestern part of China, a petroleum ether extract of Juniperus sabina L was found to show insecticidal activity against fifth-instar larvae of Pieris rapae L. From the extract, an insecticidal compound was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The compound was identified as deoxypodophyllotoxin (1) by comparison of its spectroscopic characteristics with literature data. In bioassays, 1 showed antifeedant activity against fifth-instar larvae of P rapae at 0.05-1.00 g litre(-1) and its AFC50 (concentration for 50% antifeedant activity) values at 12 and 48h were 0.170 and 0.060 g litre(-1), respectively. In that concentration range, all treated insects died within 48 h after treatment and compound 1 showed delayed insecticidal activity. At 0.015-0.100 g litre(-1), 1 showed insecticidal activity, with an LC50 of 0.020 g litre(-1). The related compound deoxypicropodophyllotoxin (2), however, showed lower antifeedant and insecticidal activities than 1 in bioassay. This indicated that the trans-lactone ring is an important moiety for enhancing activity in these compounds. Comparison of the insecticidal activities of 1 and another related compound, podophyllotoxin (3), suggested that varying the substituent at C-4 is an exciting possibility for synthesizing more potent analogues.     

The growth and antioxidant defense responses of wheat seedlings to omethoate stress

Omethoate is one of the most powerful insecticides in China. Despite its high risks of human health and environmental safety, omethoate is still hard to be replaced because of its low price and high efficiency. To better understand physiological and biochemical responses to omethoate, we examined plant growth and antioxidative defense responses as well as omethoate uptake in wheat seedlings grown hydroponically with omethoate. Fresh and dry shoot weights were significantly higher at low concentrations (e.g. 0.1 g/L) than at high concentrations (e.g. 5.0 g/L). The same is true for the soluble protein content. On the contrary, contents of malondialdehyde, proline and omethoate, and activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase in shoots increased linearly with increasing concentration of omethoate and with exposure time as well. However, catalase activity was increased dramatically at 0.1 g/L but sharply decreased by omethoate added at 1.0 g/L and above compared with that of the control. Taken together, these results support our hypothesis that antioxidative defense response is an important component of plant responses to omethoate and oxidative damage is the major cause for growth reduction of wheat exposed to higher concentrations of omethoate.     

Capacity of model biobeds to retain and degrade mecoprop and isoproturon

Biobeds are used to increase the adsorption and degradation of pesticide spillage on sites used for mixing and loading and for cleaning of sprayers. The adsorption and the rate of degradation of 14C-labelled isoproturon and mecoprop (MCPP) at concentrations from 0.0005 to 25 000 mgkg(-1) were determined in biobed soil. Further leaching of the two herbicides was determined in a model biobed with a surface area of 2 m2. The biobed material showed enhanced ability to adsorb the two herbicides. Kd was 5.2 litre kg(-1) for isoproturon and 1.6 litre kg(-1) for MCPP in biobed material, which is higher than in natural soil. In different experiments with natural soil, Kd ranges from 0.07 to 0.6 litrekg(-1) for MCPP and from 1.5 to 4.6 litre kg(-1) for isoproturon in soils with varying organic carbon content. Degradation of MCPP was rapid at concentrations from 0.0005 to 500 mg kg(-1), delayed at 5000 mg kg(-1), and very slow at 25 000 mg kg(-1). For isoproturon, the relative degradation was most rapid at the lowest concentration and decreasing with increasing concentrations. After 120 days, between 55% and 8% 14C was evolved as 14CO2 at concentrations between 0.0005 and 25 000 mg kg(-1). The rate of evolution of 14CO2 indicated that degradation rates at low concentrations were of first-order and at higher concentrations of zero-order. Leaching of MCPP and isoproturon was determined in a newly established model biobed during a 2-year period. About 13% of applied MCPP and 1.4% of applied isoproturon leached out during the winter following the first autumn application (worst-case scenario). Leaching was completely prevented when the biobed had a well-developed grass cover and was covered during the winter.     

Effects of low concentrations of vapour of the phenoxyalkanoic herbicide 2,4-D-butyl on growth of tomato plants

Tomato plants (5–7 weeks old)were exposed to a range of concentrations of vapour of 2,4-D-butyl (0.12–2.4 ng litre^?;1), for periods of 6 or 24 h, using an air-flow system. Net carbon dioxide exchange of the whole plant was measured for up to 2 days after exposure and was found to decrease in treated plants approximately in proportion to vapour concentration. Six weeks after exposure, shoot dry-weights of plants exposed to herbicide vapour were less than control plants in all cases, by about 20 % or more. All characteristics measured were affected more by a 24-h exposure period than 6 h, at the same vapour concentration. The amount of herbicide vapour, expressed as the product of exposure period and vapour concentration, gave a similar effect at a low range of vapour concentrations (≤1.0 ng litre^?;1)and air-flow rates of about 200 litre min^?;1, but not at higher concentrations at a flow rate of about 120 litre min ^?;1. Better agreement between the experiments carried out at the two concentration ranges was obtained by expressing the herbicide vapour as the total amount to which the plants were exposed (i.e. the product of air-flow rate, vapour concentration and duration of exposure)instead of concentration alone.     

Inhibition of egg development by phosphine in the cosmopolitan pest of stored products Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)

Phosphine-induced delay in development of eggs was investigated as a mechanism of resistance to this fumigant in Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel. One-day-old eggs of a susceptible and a strongly resistant strain of L bostrychophila were exposed to a range of phosphine concentrations for 6days at 30 (+/- 1) degrees C and 70 (+/- 2)% RH. Delay in mean hatching period occurred in both susceptible and resistant eggs, although it was more pronounced in the latter. A maximum delay of 2.65 days was recorded for eggs of the susceptible strain at 0.01 mg litre(-1) (the highest concentration at which eggs survived) and 13.39 days for the resistant strain at 1 mg litre(-1) (the highest concentration tested). Delay in egg development time was positively correlated with increasing phosphine concentration. Our results reveal that the most successful strategy to control resistant L bostrychophila is to apply relatively low concentrations of phosphine for extended exposure times (eg 0.05 mg litre(-1) for 16 days) that allow all eggs to hatch to the much less tolerant nymph stage.     

Insecticidal and fungicidal activity of new synthesized chitosan derivatives

Chitosan, the N-deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a potential biopolysaccharide owing to its specific structure and properties. In this paper, we report on the synthesis of 24 new chitosan derivatives, N-alkyl chitosans (NAC) and N-benzyl chitosans (NBC), that are soluble in dilute aqueous acetic acid. The different derivatives were synthesized by reductive amination and analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. A high degree of substitution (DS) was obtained with N-(butyl)chitosan (DS 0.36) at a 1:1 mole ratio for NAC derivatives and N-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)chitosan (DS 0.52) for NBC derivatives. Their insecticidal and fungicidal activities were tested against larvae of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the grey mould Botrytis cinerea Pers (Leotiales: Sclerotiniaceae) and the rice leaf blast Pyricularia grisea Cavara (Teleomorph: Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr). The oral feeding bioassay indicated that all the derivatives had significant insecticidal activity at 5 g kg(-1) in artificial diet. The most active was N-(2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl)chitosan, which caused 100% mortality at 0.625 g kg(-1), with an estimated LC50 of 0.32 g kg(-1). Treated larvae ceased feeding after 2-3 days; the mechanism of action remains unknown. In a radial hyphal growth bioassay with both plant pathogens, all derivatives showed a higher fungicidal action than chitosan. N-Dodecylchitosan, N-(p-isopropylbenzyl)chitosan and N-(2,6-dichlorobenzyl)chitosan were the most active against B cinerea, with EC50 values of 0.57, 0.57 and 0.52 g litre(-1), respectively. Against P grisea, N-(m-nitrobenzyl)chitosan was the most active, with 77% inhibition at 5 g litre(-1). The effect of different substitutions is discussed in relation to insecticidal and fungicidal activity.     

An evaluation of impregnated respirator canister carbons for phosphine removal from air

The following gas mask canister carbon fillings were evaluated in laboratory and man tests against phosphine which is finding favour as a fumigant for food stuffs: activated carbons impregnated with (1) copper sulphate, (2) potassium dichromate and silver chromate, (3) copper carbonate, potassium chromate and silver chromate and (4) potassium permanganate. Impregnation with copper sulphate (12% w/w) proved to be effective and economical. A cumulative service time of 5.2 mg h/litre was obtained in the laboratory tests at 1.7 mg/litre phosphine in air and 3.1 mg h/litre at 0.2-1.5 mg/litre phosphine in the man tests.     

Use of imazapyr against Equisetum arvense on Swedish railway tracks

Since glyphosate has been used extensively for weed control in Swedish railway tracks, common horsetail (Equisetum arvense L), previously relatively rare, has become very common. Glyphosate, although effective against most other weeds found on railway tracks, gives poor control of E. arvense, so that heavy infestation with this weed is now common. Imazapyr (applied as a 250g AE litre(-1) SL, Arsenal) has controlled E. arvense, but is known to be very mobile. Adequate control of the weed requires application of > or = 4 litres ha(-1) of imazapyr SL but environmental factors preclude the use of > 2 litres ha(-1). A suitable strategy was found to be one application of imazapyr SL at 2 litres ha(-1) in each of two successive years but best weed control was obtained by supplementing imazapyr in the first year with glyphosate 360 g AE litre(-1) SL (RoundUp Bio) at 3 litres ha(-1).     

Effects of kaolin-based particle film on spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)) oviposition in the laboratory

A laboratory study conducted in 2003 determined the influence of a kaolin-based particle film (Surround WP Crop Protectant) on spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem)) oviposition. Three concentrations (15, 30 and 60 g litre(-1) spray carrier) were applied to white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). When presented with different paired choices of oviposition surfaces, spruce budworms laid very few egg masses overall and showed no significant (P < 0.05) preference between kaolin-coated and untreated foliage. During no-choice tests, spruce budworms were significantly (P < 0.05) less inclined to oviposit on the 60 g kaolin litre(-1) treated foliage than on the controls, but no kaolin treatment completely inhibited spruce budworm oviposition. Egg mass size and percentage hatch were unaffected by the kaolin treatments, and overall the percentage of egg masses laid on foliage was inversely proportional to treatment concentration. It is unlikely that kaolin-based particle film would be practical for wide use in natural forests without significant adaptations to current pesticide application equipment and methods. However, the technique might be feasible in selected urban settings.     

Efficacy and fate of glyphosate on Swedish railway embankments

The herbicide glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, as Spectra (240 g AI litre(-1) SL; Monsanto Europe AB), RoundUp (360 g AI litre(-1) SL; Monsanto) and RoundUp Bio (360 g AI litre(-1) SL; Monsanto), have been used for weed control on Swedish railway embankments since 1986. This article summarizes results from studies of the weed effect and behaviour of glyphosate for the period 1984-2003. Studies on a railway embankment with a range of application rates showed excellent weed control at 5 litre ha(-1) of RoundUp Bio. The appearance of glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA [(aminomethyl)phosphonic acid] in the embankment, eg mobility and persistence, was also studied. Mobility was low in most cases, the main proportion of both glyphosate and AMPA being found in the upper 30-cm layer although minor amounts penetrated to lower depths. The 50% disappearance time of glyphosate was generally <5 months in railway embankments but cases with longer persistence were found. Transport to the groundwater was observed for glyphosate and AMPA in groundwater pipes along tracks. Downward transport appears to be dependent on the application rate, which should not exceed 3 litre ha(-1) of RoundUp Bio to avoid groundwater contamination. A lower rate of glyphosate mixed with a low rate of another herbicide may achieve acceptable weed control and be environmentally safer.     

Annual beet: Problems and prospects

Annual bolting sugar beets have contaminated fields in England and represent a potential hazard through their seed production capability (up to 150 viable seed/plant), which could make them an important weed in arable crops, and through their pollen production, which could lead to a degeneration in varieties of sugar beet being grown for seed nearby. Although control by rotation and herbicides in other crops are probably the easiest effective control measures, up to 100% reduction in seed production in the sugar beet crop resulted from bolter pulling, topping or treatment with a 100 g a.e./litre glyphosate solution (1 ml/plant) early in July. The glyphosate damaged other plants which it reached. Whichever control method is selected, mechanisation seems possible.     

Assessing the efficiencies of low and high volume methods of applying pesticides to tobacco

Low volume carbendazim sprays (25–100 litre/ha) applied with a knapsack mistblower fitted with twin nozzles or a mesh diffuser were compared with high volume sprays (760 litre/ha) from three pairs of ‘Spraying Systems’ Y6 nozzles on the vertical boom of a knapsack pressure sprayer. The carbendazim concentration and total amount deposited were measured by thin-layer chromatography and bioassay. The twin nozzles, which directed two spray streams 50° apart, deposited most fungicide on the plants using 100 litre/ha, and in two experiments 76 and 80% of theoretical amounts applied per plant were detected in or on the leaves. At 25 litre/ha, the distribution was less uniform and the deposit efficiency was 74%. The mesh diffuser at 100 litre/ha was less efficient; where the spray was directed between and parallel to the rows of tobacco the deposits were 26 and 42% of the total carbendazim applied, whereas directing the spray at an angle of about 45° towards the rows of tobacco increased the deposit to 57%. Sprays applied at a pressure of 410 kPa (4.1 bar) from Y6 nozzles deposited only 16% of the active ingredient onto the leaves. Better control of powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe cichoracearum was obtained with dinocap using the mesh diffuser than with either the Y6 nozzles or with dusts from a motorised duster.     

Dichlorvos concentrations in the air of houses arising from the use of dichlorvos PVC strips

Trials have been carried out in order to determine the concentrations of dichlorvos that occur in the air of houses when “VAPONA”

1 “VAPONA” is a Shell trade mark.

strips are placed under conditions of normal domestic use. The ten trials were conducted in the U.K., Australia and France in the years 1967 to 1970. Two trials were also carried out in the U.K. with a shorter, slightly thicker product [6.5 in strip (16.5 cm)] of the same basic formulation. Samples of air were taken at regular intervals throughout the 3 or 4 month period of each trial and the samples were analysed for dichlorvos by an enzyme inhibition – ΔpH method. The results from more than 3000 samples of air showed that the great majority of values (97.2%) were 0.1 μg dichlorvos per litre of air or less. Values ranged from less than 0.01 μg/1 to 0.24 μg/l, the higher concentrations being associated with houses closed because of the absence of the householders or with several strips in place in the house, or both. In each trial the dichlorvos concentration in the air rose rapidly and then fell exponentially. In temperate area trials, the concentration was at its highest 1 to 2 weeks after placing the strips, the geometric mean of all the values at this time being 0.04 μg/1 and 3 months after placement the mean concentration was 0.01 μg/1. In the two trials with the 6.5 in (16.5 cm) product, concentrations in air were in one of these no different and in the other slightly lower than from the 10 in (25.4 cm) strip, the rate of decline of the concentrations of dichlorvos being the same in both trials. Observation strongly suggests that ventilation is the most important factor in determining the level of dichlorvos in the air of a room. In the trials in Brisbane, Australia, where houses are constructed to allow a flow of air and where doors and windows are open day and night, concentrations of dichlorvos were low initially and quickly fell below the limit of determination. The effect of increased ambient temperature is to increase the rate of emission of dichlorvos from the strip. However, in general, it seems that the increased ventilation associated with higher temperatures outweighed the increased rate of emission of insecticide since concentrations in air tended to fall with increasing temperature. Some rooms, especially kitchens, are smaller than the volume recommended for placement of strips (30 m³ per strip). However, statistical analysis of the results shows that initial concentrations in kitchens are no higher than in other rooms, and that the rate of decline of concentrations in kitchens is significantly higher than in other rooms.