Grain protectants for the control of malathion-resistant insects in stored sorghum

Duplicate experiments were carried out on bulk sorghum stored in South Queensland and in Central Queensland. Bioassays of treated grain, conducted during 6 months' storage, established that fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ bioresmethrin (1 mg kg^?1), and pirimiphos-methyl (4 mg kg^?1)+ carbaryl (8 mg kg^?1), controlled typical malathionresistant strains of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and Ephestia cautella (Walker). Chlorpyrifos-methyl (10 mg kg^?1)+ pyrethrins (1.5 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (12 mg kg^?1), and fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ (1R)-phenothrin (1 mg kg^?1), also controlled the strains of S. oryzae, T. castaneum and E. cautella, but were only partly effective against R. dominica. Methacrifos (15 mg kg^?1) controlled all the tested species except E. cautella. Chemical assays established that the residues and rates of breakdown of these grain protectants on sorghum conformed to the general pattern for other cereal grains; residues from the above treatments were below the individual Maximum Residue Limits recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Organophosphorothioates and synergised synthetic pyrethroids as grain protectants on bulk wheat

Organophosphorothioates and synergised synthetic pyrethroids were used in duplicate field trials carried out on bulk wheat in commercial silos in Queensland and New South Wales. Laboratory bioassays using malathion-resistant strains of insects were carried out on samples of treated grain at intervals over 9 months. These established that all treatments were generally effective. Deltamethrin (2 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (8 mg kg^?1), fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ fenvalerate (1 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (8 mg kg^?1), fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ phenothrin (2 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (8 mg kg^?1) and pirimiphos-methyl (4 mg kg^?1)+ permethrin (1 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (8 mg kg^?1) controlled common field strains of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). Against a highly resistant strain of S. oryzae, deltamethrin (2 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (8 mg kg^?1) was superior to the remaining treatments. All treatment combinations completely prevented progeny production in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), T. confusum Jacquelin du Val and in Ephestia cautella (Walker). Residues of deltamethrin, fenvalerate, permethrin and phenothrin were determined and shown to be highly persistent on stored wheat. During milling, residues accumulated in the bran fractions and were reduced in white flour. They were not significantly reduced during baking.     

Synergised cyfluthrin and cypermethrin as grain protectants on bulk wheat

Duplicate field trials were carried out on bulk wheat in commercial silos in Queensland and New South Wales. Laboratory bioassays on samples of treated grain at intervals over 8 or 9 months storage using malathion-resistant strains of insects established that treatments were generally effective. Cyfluthrin (2 mg kg^?1) plus piperonyl butoxide (10 mg kg^?1) and cypermethrin (4 mg kg^?1) plus piperonyl butoxide (10 mg kg^?1) completely controlled two strains of Sitophilus oryzae L. Control of a third strain by the cypermethrin combination was incomplete after 11/2 months and neither controlled a multi-resistant laboratory strain. Both combinations were effective against Rhyzopertha dominica F., Tribolium castaneum Herbst and Ephestia cautella Walker. No natural infestation developed in the treated grain in any silo. Mean residues of cyfluthrin and cypermethrin after 9 months storage were 58% and 52% of the calculated application rates, respectively. Compared with overall concentrations in the wheat, residue levels were higher in bran and pollard and lower in white flour. During baking, residues decreased by up to 29%. Operators experienced respiratory irritation associated with exposure to both combinations and alternative formulations would be required for use of these materials in grain storage.     

Chlorpyrifos-methyl plus bioresmethrin; Methacrifos; Pirimiphos-methyl plus bioresmethrin; and synergised bioresmethrin as grain protectants for wheat

Field trials with various pesticide combinations were carried out on bulk wheat in commercial silos in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Laboratory bioassays on samples of treated grain at intervals over 8 months using malathion-susceptible and malathion-resistant strains established the following orders of efficacy: against Sitophilus oryzae (L.), chlorpyrifos-methyl 10 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1 = methacrifos 15 mg kg^?1 in aerated storage > pirimiphos-methyl 4 or 6 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1 = bioresmethrin 4 mg kg^?1 + piperonyl butoxide 16 mg kg^?1; against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), bioresmethrin 4 mg kg^?1 + piperonyl butoxide 16 mg kg^?1 > methacrifos 15 mg kg^?1 > chlorpyrifos-methyl 10 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1 = pirimiphos-methyl 4 or 6 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1. All treatments completely prevented production of progeny in Sitophilus granarius (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), T. confusum Jackquelin du Val and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The biological efficacy of methacrifos was greater and the rate of degradation lower in aerated than in non-aerated storage. Residue levels of all compounds were determined chemically and were below proposed international residue levels to be considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Fenitrothion plus (1R)-phenothrin,and pirimiphos-methyl plus carbaryl,as grain protectant combinations for wheat

Duplicate field trials were carried out on bulk wheat in commercial silos in Queensland and New South Wales. Laboratory bioassays on samples of treated grain at intervals over 9 months, using malathion-resistant strains of insects, established that treatments were generally effective. Fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ (1R)-phenothrin (2 mg kg^?1) was more effective than pirimiphos-methyl (6 mg kg^?1) + carbaryl (10 mg kg^?1) against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Ephestia cautella (Walker); the order of effectiveness was reversed for S. granarius (L.). Against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), T. confusum Jackquelin du Val and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), both treatments effectively prevented the production of progeny. The order of persistence was pirimiphos-methyl> (1R)-phenothrin>carbaryl or fenitrothion. During processing from wheat to white bread, residues were reduced by 98% for carbaryl, >44% for (1R)-phenothrin, 98% for fenitrothion and 85% for pirimiphosmethyl.     

Extensive pilot use of the grain protectant combinations,fenitrothion plus bioresmethrin and pirimiphos-methyl plus bioresmethrin

Each of the combinations, bioresmethrin (1 mg kg^?1) plus pirimiphos-methyl(6 mg kg^?1) or fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1), was applied in 1976 to grain in 21 commercial storages. Grain condition and protectant residues were regularly monitored. Three storages became infested with Rhizopertha dominica (F.), but all storages remained free of other insect species. In two of the three infested storages, application of protectant was uneven, and the third became infested only after 8 months of storage. Despite some variations in recovered residues between sites, the mean residue levels were accurately described by predictive models. Falls in temperature during storage varied considerably, and were related to factors other than climate and bin size. There was a marked effect by aeration with ambient cold air on both the grain temperature and the rate of loss of residues. Results of collaborative studies on the determination of residues indicate a need for regular check programmes of analysis, and confirm previous conclusions that residues of fenitrothion and pirimiphos-methyl can be accurately and conventionally determined.     

Assessment of the grain protectants chlorpyrifos-methyl plus bioresmethrin,fenitrothion plus (1R)-phenothrin,methacrifos and pirimiphos-methyl plus carbaryl under practical conditions in Australia

Methacrifos (22.5 g t^?1) and the three protectant combinations chlorpyrifos-methyl (10 g t^?1) plus bioresmethrin (1 g t^?1), fenitrothion (12 g t^?1) plus (1R)-phenothrin (2 g t^?1) and pirimiphos-methyl (4 g t^?1) plus carbaryl (8 g t^?1) were each applied to grain that was stored in at least 15 silos. Grain temperature and levels of protectant were regularly monitored, and samples from 12 storages using each treatment were taken for laboratory assays against Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum. Grain condition did not deteriorate during storage. Grain remained free of insects in 60 of the 63 storages treated; partial failure in the other 3 storages was attributed to low or irregular levels of protectant. The mean and range of residue values of all protectants were recorded as a function of time and the mean observed values corresponded to predicted values. In laboratory bioassay, the order of effectiveness against T. castaneum was methacrifos > chlorpyrifos-methyl plus bioresmethrin > fenitrothion plus (1R)-phenothrin = pirimiphos-methyl plus carbaryl. The order of effectiveness against R. dominica was carbaryl plus pirimiphos-methyl = (1R)-phenothrin plus fenitrothion > methacrifos > bioresmethrin plus chlorpyrifos-methyl.     

Combinations of pirimiphos-methyl and carbaryl for stored grain protection

In laboratory experiments, whole wheat was treated with pirimiphos-methyl or carbaryl or combinations of these two insecticides; the treated grain was then adjusted to a 12% moisture content and stored at 25°C for bioassay at various intervals over a period of 39 weeks. Pirimiphos-methyl at 5.1 mg kg^?1 effectively controlled Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val but was ineffective against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) CRD 118, a strain showing malathion resistance. Conversely, carbaryl at 6.5 mg kg^?1 (but not at 3.1 mg kg^?1) was effective against R. dominica, but ineffective against the other two species. A combination of pirimiphosmethyl + carbaryl, at 1.8 + 5.1 mg kg^?1, controlled S. granarius and R dominica but not T. confusum, whilst a 4.2 + 3.4 mg kg^?1 combination was relatively more effective against T. confusum but less so against R. dominica. In a separate experiment, whole wheat was treated with carbaryl at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg kg^?1 (nominal rates). Samples were stored and, at various times after the treatments, were bioassayed with R. dominica CRD 2, at 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. The results were comparable with those for the CRD 118 strain, but efficacy was reduced at higher temperatures. The combination of pirimiphos-methyl at 4–5 mg kg^?1 and carbaryl at 5–6 mg kg^?1 is suggested as a potentially useful grain protectant where R. dominica is a problem and long term storage is required. These results are discussed in relation to the protection of stored grain in Australia.     

Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Fenvalerate in Cattle Treated Topically with a Low Dose of Piperonyl Butoxide

Experiments were conducted to identify pharmacokinetic interactions between topically applied piperonyl butoxide and intravenous fenvalerate in cattle (Angus steers). Intact fenvalerate in plasma was derivatized by condensation with acetone and measured by negative chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that the elimination-phase rate constant (β, 0·00069 (±0·00006) min^-1), mean residence time (172 (±14) min), systemic clearance (10·4 (±0·7) ml min^-1 kg^-1) or volume at steady state (1800 (±230) ml kg^-1) were not changed (P>0·05) after topical application of a low dose of piperonyl butoxide. These data indicate that topical application of a low dose of the metabolic synergist piperonyl butoxide would not be expected to modify the in-vivo disposition of fenvalerate in cattle. © of SCI.     

Surface contact toxicity and synergism of several insecticides against different stages of the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

BACKGROUND: Five formulated insecticides (lambda‐cyhalothrin at 10 mg m^?2, bifenthrin at 50 mg m^?2, fipronil at 10 mg m^?2, fenitrothion at 50 mg m^?2, imidacloprid at 5 mg m^?2) and one active ingredient (DDT at 500 mg m^?2) were evaluated using a surface contact method against early and late instars and adults of two strains of the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.). Synergism of lambda‐cyhalothrin and fipronil using piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was also assessed. RESULTS: The order of susceptibility of different stages of bed bugs was as follows: early stage ? lambda‐cyhalothrin > bifenthrin = imidacloprid > fipronil > fenitrothion > DDT; late stage—lambda‐cyhalothrin > bifenthrin > fenitrothion > imidacloprid > fipronil > DDT; adult—lambda‐cyhalothrin > imidacloprid > bifenthrin > fenitrothion > fipronil > DDT. The late instars exhibited significantly higher LT₅₀ among the life stages. The addition of PBO to fipronil increased the susceptibility of the insects. CONCLUSIONS: Lambda‐cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, fenitrothion and fipronil at the recommended application rates were effective against C. hemipterus. Although imidacloprid demonstrated good initial response against C. hemipterus, the insects showed substantial recovery 72 h post‐treatment. The late instars (fourth and fifth instars) should be used as the model for toxicological evaluation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential of piperonyl butoxide‐synergised pyrethrins against psocids (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) for stored‐grain protection

BACKGROUND: Piperonyl butoxide (PB)‐synergised natural pyrethrins (pyrethrin:PB ratio 1:4) were evaluated both as a grain protectant and a disinfestant against four Liposcelidid psocids: Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, L. entomophila (Enderlein), L. decolor (Pearman) and L. paeta Pearman. These are key storage pests in Australia that are difficult to control with the registered grain protectants and are increasingly being reported as pests of stored products in other countries. Firstly, mortality and reproduction of adults were determined in wheat freshly treated at 0.0, 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg kg^?1 of pyrethrins + PB (1:4) at 30 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 2% RH. Next, wheat treated at 0.0, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg kg^?1 of pyrethrins + PB (1:4) was stored at 30 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 2% RH and mortality and reproduction of psocids were assessed after 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 months of storage. Finally, the potential of synergised pyrethrins as a disinfestant was assessed by establishing time to endpoint mortality for adult psocids exposed to wheat treated at 3 and 6 mg kg^?1 of synergised pyrethrins after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h of exposure. RESULTS: Synergised pyrethrins at 6 mg kg^?1 provided 3 months of protection against all four Liposcelis spp., and at this rate complete adult mortality of these psocids can be achieved within 6 h of exposure. CONCLUSION: Piperonyl butoxide‐synergised pyrethrins have excellent potential both as a grain protectant and as a disinfestant against Liposcelidid psocids. Copyright © State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 2010. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.     

食蚊鱼Gambusia affinis脑乙酰胆碱酯对杀螟松的反应及恢复

在静水系统中用不同浓度的杀螟松处理食蚊鱼 96 h分别于第 2 4、4 8和 96 h测定脑乙酰胆碱酯酶(ACh E)的活性。另一些鱼在接触杀螟松之前分别用胡椒基丁醚 (PBO)和磷酚三苯酯 (TPP)做预处理。结果表明 ,在 0 .4 mg/ L和 1.3mg/ L的亚致死浓度下 ,杀螟松对 ACh E活性的抑制率分别为 4 4 .2 %和 6 5.7%与用杀螟松单独处理的鱼相比 ,TPP预处理的鱼 ACh E活性更低 ,而 PBO处理后的鱼 ACh E活性较高。本项研究还测定了鱼经过 96 h杀螟松处理再移到清水中之后 ACh E的恢复情况。经过 8d的恢复期 ,用杀螟松单独处理和经 TPP处理的鱼 ,其 ACh E仍低于对照。     

Fungal invasion and mycotoxin contamination of stored sorghum grain as influenced by threshing methods

Sanitation from harvest to storage is a key factor in eliminating sources of infection and reducing levels of mycotoxigenic fungal invasion, and thereby mycotoxin contamination. This study was conducted at Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia to investigate the effects of threshing methods on fungal invasion and mycotoxin contamination of sorghum grain. The methods included threshing on bare ground, cow-dung-painted ground, concrete asphalt and canvas. The threshed grain was kept separately in bags in three replications in a completely randomized design and stored for five months. The results revealed that all the sorghum grain samples taken from different threshing methods were contaminated with both Aspergillus and Fusarium species. There were variations in fungal invasion between samples taken immediately after threshing and stored samples. The level of Aspergillus spp. invasion was much higher in the latter in sorghum grain threshed on bare ground. The concentration of aflatoxin B₁ was gradually increased, whereas the total fumonisin concentration was decreased with the storage duration both in 2013 and 2014. On stored sorghum grain, the highest (1.97 µg kg^?1) and the lowest (0.70 µg kg^?1) mean aflatoxin B₁ concentrations were recorded from sorghum grains threshed on bare ground and on canvas, respectively. Sorghum grain obtained from canvas threshing method had significantly lower mean total fumonisin content (142.5, 54.9 µg kg^?1) than grain from the other methods at threshing. The current work clearly demonstrated the effect that threshing might have on fungal invasion and mycotoxin contamination of sorghum grains. .     

Spirosultam LY219048: A new chemical class of insecticide acting upon the GABA receptor/chloride ionophore complex

This study assessed the toxicity and mode of action of a new experimental insecticide, LY219048 in insects and mammals. LY219048 produced rapid convulsions in mice and had LD₅₀ values of 0.7 mg kg^?1 and 4 mg kg^?1 after intracerebral and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. In initial screens against insects, LY219048 showed low activity against the German cockroach (Blatella germanica L.). Lethality from dietary exposure required one to two weeks, even at concentrations as high as 10000 mg kg^?1 (LC₅₀ = 485 mg kg^?1). In contrast, it had an LC₅₀ value of 8.3 mg kg^?1 against insecticide-susceptible Drosophila melanogaster (Meig.) when synergized with piperonyl butoxide. Significant resistance to LY219048 (> 12-fold) was detected in a cyclodiene-resistant strain of D. melanogaster possessing an altered target site resistance mechanism. This finding suggested that LY219048 blocked the 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel in a manner similar to that of the cyclodienes. In physiological studies in larval D. melanogaster central neurons, LY219048 antagonized the reduction of firing caused by 1 mM GABA. Dose-response experiments showed that the ED₅₀ for blocking inhibition under these conditions was c. 1 μ. Studies of ³⁶CI uptake into bovine brain synaptosomes found that LY219048 was a potent antagonist. At 10 μ it completely blocked chloride flux stimulated by 50 μM GABA. LY219048 competitively displaced [³H]TBOB binding from bovine brain membranes, with an IC₅₀ of 42 nM, which was comparable to values determined for TBPS (35 nM) and picrotoxinin (267 nM). There was little or no displacement (<25%) of [³H]flunitrazepam or [³H]muscimol binding by 10 μM LY219048. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that this new chemical class of insecticide manifests its acute toxicity by blocking the GABA-gated chloride channel.     

Contribution of contact toxicity and wheat condition to mortality of stored-product insects exposed to spinosad

Spinosad, a reduced-risk commercial insecticide derived from a bacterial fermentation product, possesses both contact and oral toxicities against insects. Contact toxicity of spinosad to adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F), Sitophilus oryzae (L), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) was evaluated by exposure for 24 or 48 h to treated glass Petri dishes. Adults were exposed to different deposits (0.001-0.79 mg cm(-2)) of spinosad in 24-h tests and to deposits of 0, 0.0016 and 0.016mg cm(-2) in 48-h tests. Rhyzopertha dominica was most susceptible to spinosad in 24- and 48-h tests, followed by S. oryzae, and T. castaneum. The 24-h LD50 values were 0.0004, 0.077 and 0.189mg cm(-2) for R. dominica, S. oryzae, and T. castaneum, respectively. All R. dominica adults were dead following 48 h exposure to both spinosad deposits, whereas mortality of S. oryzae and T. castaneum ranged from 10 to 85% and 12 to 48%, respectively. Rhyzopertha dominica, T. castaneum, and O. surinamensis adults were exposed for 14 days to whole wheat, cracked wheat and wheat flour treated with 0, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1) of spinosad. Rhyzopertha dominica adults were highly susceptible to spinosad, followed by O. surinamensis and T. castaneum. Immatures (eggs and larvae) of T. castaneum and O. surinamensis exposed for 14 days were more susceptible on spinosad-treated whole wheat than on treated cracked wheat and wheat flour. This is the first report documenting contact activity of spinosad, and the effect of grain condition on spinosad toxicity, to stored-product insects.     

Effects of the synergist piperonyl butoxide on metabolism of pesticides in green sunfish

The effects of piperonyl butoxide on metabolism of ¹⁴C-labeled methoxychlor, aldrin, and trifluralin were investigated in green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus. Piperonyl butoxide inhibited epoxidation of aldrin to dieldrin, O-dealkylation of methoxychlor, and N-dealkylation of trifluralin, resulting in higher levels of total radioactivity in animals exposed to the combination compared to those exposed to pesticide alone. Where piperonyl butoxide was present a greater proportion of the total radioactivity in the fish extract occurred as parent compound compared to metabolites than in fish exposed to pesticide alone. After 16 days of exposure piperonyl butoxide increased the proportion of parent compound eight times for methoxychlor, 17 times for aldrin, and 15 times for trifluralin.     

The persistence and activity of insecticide spary deposits on woven polypropylene fabric

Wettable powder formulations of the organophosphorus insecticides, fenitrothion and pirimiphos-methyl, and the pyrethroids, permethrin and deltamethrin, have been compared for persistence and activity on woven polypropylene fabric; the residues produced in maize kept under the test sheets have also been measured. The test insects were Sitophilus oryzue (L.) and Tribolium custuneum (Herbst). Permethrin at 41 and 83 mg m^?2 was completely effective for the full 12 weeks of the experiment. Deltamethrin at 6.2 and 12.5 mg m^?2 was almost equally effective but after 4 weeks the deposit was slower acting against S. oryzae. The organophosphorus compounds were effective only up to 2 weeks at 250 mg m^?2 and up to 4 weeks at 500 mg m^?2. No residues could be detected under the pyrethroids but the organophosphorus insecticides gave residues of 2–4 mg kg^?1 on a thin layer of grain. This residue was biologically effective against the test insects.     

Repellent action of permethrin,cypermethrin and resmethrin against black flies (Simulium spp.) attacking cattle

Permethrin, cypermethrin, and resmethrin were tested under field conditions as repellents to protect cattle from black flies (Simulium spp.). The chemicals were applied topically to the entire body surface of steers. Ethanolic solutions of technical permethrin, at doses of 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg a. i. kg^?1 of body weight, effectively repelled black flies by preventing at least 70% of the flies present from taking a blood meal for up to 8 days, and for at least 11 days at a dose of 12 mg a. i. kg^?1. Aqueous mixtures of a 20% permethrin emulsifiable concentrate (e. c.), at doses of 1, 2 and 6 mg a. i. kg^?1, effectivelyrepelled black flies for 2, 10 and 11 days, respectively. Aready-to-use 5% permethrin dust, at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg a. i. kg^?1, effectively repelled black flies for 4, 5 and 8 days, respectively. Ethanolic solutions of technical cypermethrin, at doses of 1 and 2 mg a. i. kg^?1, repelled black flies for 3 and 4 days, respectively. Aqueous mixtures of a 40% cypermethrin e. c., at doses of 2 and 4 mg a. i. kg^?1, repelled black flies for at least 5 days. Ethanolic solutions of technical resmethrin, at doses of 2 and 6 mg a. i. kg^?1, repelled black flies for 1 and 2 days, respectively.     

Management of five stored-product insects in wheat with pirimiphos-methyl and pirimiphos-methyl plus synergized pyrethrins

Hard red winter wheat was treated with pirimiphos-methyl at 4, 6 and 8 mg kg(-1), synergized pyrethrins at 0.38, 0.75, 1.13 and 1.5 mg kg(-1), and combinations of the two insecticides, to conduct laboratory bioassays against four beetle pests of stored grain, red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), rusty grain beetle Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (F), and rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L), and one moth pest, Indianmeal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hubner). Beetle adults and P interpunctella larvae survived well on control wheat, producing a large number of progeny (65-1037 insects per container). Kernel damage in control wheat among the insect species ranged from 9 to 99%. On pirimiphos-methyl-treated wheat, mortality of R dominica adults was > or =72%, but that of the other beetle species and P interpunctella larvae was 100%. Progeny were not produced on pirimiphos-methyl-treated wheat, and the kernel damage was negligible (< or =1%). Synergized pyrethrins were ineffective against the five insect pests. Pirimiphos-methyl combined with synergized pyrethrins was not superior to pirimiphos-methyl alone against the five insect pests. Pirimiphos-methyl is not registered in the USA for use on wheat, but our results suggest that it could be a viable grain protectant at rates of 4-8 mg kg(-1).     

Uptake,metabolism and effects of DDT,fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos on Tetrahymena pyriformis

The uptake and metabolism of DDT, fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos were studied in cultures of the ciliate protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis. When cultures were treated with DDT in concentrations varying from 0.01 to 0.5 μg ml⁻¹, concentrations found in T. pyriformis were 3.8 to 335 μg g⁻¹ dry weight. The accumulation of fenitrothion ranged from 28.7 μg g⁻¹ in cultures treated with 1 μg ml⁻¹ to 2260 μg g⁻¹ in cultures treated with 10 μg ml⁻¹. Under similar experimental conditions chlorpyrifos was accumulated from 24.7 to 15400 μg g⁻¹. The patterns of uptake were dependent on the growth cycle, the ability of the organism to metabolise insecticide and the type of the insecticide used. Maximum accumulation of DDT, fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos occurred in 2, 4 and 6 h respectively. Tetrahymena metabolised DDT to DDD and DDE but failed to metabolise fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos. The effects on growth and morphology of T. pyriformis were studied over a period of 5 days. Higher concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μg ml⁻¹) of DDT inhibited only the growth of the organisms and did not change cell morphology. Fenitrothion was extremely toxic to the organisms and at 5 and 10 μg ml⁻¹ cells became more or less spherical and died after 48 h. However, concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2.5 μg ml⁻¹ fenitrothion caused growth inhibition, but only at 2.5 μg ml⁻¹ was this permanent. Chlorpyrifos inhibited the growth of the organisms at 1, 5 and 10 μg ml⁻¹ but the morphology was affected only at 5 and 10 μg ml⁻¹.