Accelerated degradation of aldicarb and its oxidation products in previously treated soils

The persistence of aldicarb, aldicarb sulphoxide and aldicarb sulphone was studied in soils used for crops grown commercially and in experimental soils with different histories of treatment with a granular formulation of aldicarb. Total aldicarb residues declined more rapidly in incubations in all the previously treated soils (initial 50% loss in 5–17 days at 15°C) than in the corresponding untreated soils (initial 50% loss in 25–50 days). This was largely because of more rapid breakdown of aldicarb sulphoxide and, to a lesser extent, of aldicarb sulphone. Accelerated degradation was induced more readily by pretreatment with carbofuran than with aldicarb or thiofanox and seemed to be influenced at least as much by dose level as by frequency of pretreatment. It is concluded that rotation of chemical usage should suppress development of the phenomenon with commercially recommended doses of aldicarb but that the potential for cross-enhancement is still little understood.     

Accelerated transformation of aldicarb,oxamyl and ethoprophos after repeated soil treatments

Distribution and transformation of the nematicides aldicarb, oxamyl and ethoprophos was measured on annually treated plots and plots not previously treated on two potato fields. This trial plan was chosen because the effect of the nematicides decreased in the annually treated plots on these fields. In the field, the contents of the nematicides decreased more rapidly in soil of the annually treated plots than in the untreated ones. This rapid disappearance of the active compounds was found to be the cause of the decreased nematode control on the annually treated plots. The considerably more rapid transformation of the nematicides in treated soils than in untreated ones was also measured in incubation tests at 15°C. Sterilization of the treated soils drastically reduced the rates of disappearance. The repeated applications of the nematicides must have induced microbial adaptation, which resulted in accelerated transformation. The carbamoyloximes aldicarb and oxamyl were transformed at about the same rates in previously untreated soils and in soils from plots previously treated with ethoprophos. However, oxamyl was transformed very rapidly in soil previously treated with aldicarb and also aldicarb in soil previously treated with oxamyl: this indicates that cross-adaptation occurred for the two carbamoyloximes.     

Interactions of fungicide-insecticide combinations against Rhizoctonia solani in vitro and in soil

The inhibition of mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani in vitro was strongest with pencycuron, followed by tolclofos-methyl, carboxin and thiabendazole. Against cowpea seedling rot in soil infested with R. solani, tolclofos-methyl was most effective, followed by pencycuron, thiabendazole and carboxin. Of nine insecticides tested, only parathion-methyl and quinalphos suppressed mycelial growth of R. solani in vitro, although their activity was much lower than that of the four tested fungicides. The inhibition of mycelial growth by fungicide-insecticide mixtures was antagonistic in only two out of 36 combinations; it was additive in most cases or synergistic, e.g. for most mixtures of pencycuron and insecticides. Quinalphos, applied to the soil, was the only insecticide which reduced cowpea seedling rot in soil infested with R. solani. Soil application of parathion-methyl, phorate, aldicarb or carbofuran and seed treatment with phosphamidon, monocrotophos, endosulfan or dimethoate had little or no effect on seedling rot. Carboxin gave better disease control when applied to the seed already coated with phosphamidon, monocrotophos, endosulfan or dimethoate and when carboxin-treated seeds were sown in soil treated with quinalphos, parathion-methyl, aldicarb or carbofuran. Efficacy of thiabendazole seed treatment was slightly higher in the presence of insecticides, particularly dimethoate. Pencycuron and tolclofos-methyl as seed treatment gave nearly 100% disease control both in the presence and absence of insecticides. The synergistic interactions detected between fungicides and insecticides represent interesting opportunities for the control of R. solani.     

The impact of granular formulations of phorate, terbufos, carbofuran, carbosulfan and thiofanox on newly sown Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

The effect of applying granular formulations of phorate, terbufos and carbofuran to grass at the time of sowing at a range of dose rates ‘in furrow’ (i.e. drilled with the seed down the coulter tube into the drill row) or broadcast was assessed at two sites in each of two years. The effects of carbosulfan and thiofanox were assessed at one site in one year. All of the chemicals except thiofanox enhanced yield in one or more experiments by a sufficient amount to be economically viable. Much of the yield benefit seemed to derive from the control of frit fly larvae. Earthworms are an important component of the grassland fauna and checks were made of the effects of the chemical on their numbers. Their populations were affected initially in some experiments by phorate, terbufos and carbofuran, but their numbers recovered subsequently. There was a trend for treatments made ‘in-furrow’ to make more economic use of the pesticides compared with broadcasting them.     

Effects of insecticides applied to control cucumber beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on watermelon yields

Foliar insecticides applied to control the striped and spotted cucumber beetles, Acalymma vittatum (Fab.) and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, on watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, were of little or no value in three studies conducted in two locations over 2 years. However, an at-planting application of the systemic, soil insecticide carbofuran resulted in higher early yields, although the differences were not statistically significant in small plots. In 1991, large plots comparing carbofuran-treated watermelons with untreated watermelons in two commercial fields showed large and statistically significant increases in melon yield when carbofuran was applied, especially in early yield. Studies in 1992 and 1993 showed that the application of carbofuran at planting stimulated root and shoot growth after transplating and increased yields when compared with untreated plots, plots treated with methyl bromide, or another soil insecticide, terbufos. These studies suggest that carbofuran may be acting as a growth stimulant, as well as an insecticide.     

Row treatment of potatoes with systemics for meadow nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) control

Granular aldicarb and carbofuran, systemic carbamate insecticides, were applied at 3 lbs active per acre to compare their control of the meadow nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans). These systemic pesticides were applied either in two bands 2–3 inches from both sides of and at the lower plane of the seed-piece or in one band 4–5 inches wide and 1/2 inch above the seed. Two months after planting, nematode populations were greatly reduced in soil and roots from plots treated with either chemical and with both placement methods. Aldicarb provided effective control longer into the growing season than did carbofuran. When compared with carbofuran, aldicarb-treated potao plants lived longer and produced a greater increase in yield over the untreated plots. Yield increases were greater when either systemic was applied in side bands than when placed over the seed.     

丁硫克百威原药和制剂对蚯蚓的毒性及其降解产物克百威的动态变化

为了解蚯蚓急性毒性试验过程中丁硫克百威降解产物克百威的动态变化。采用固相萃取高效液相色谱柱后衍生荧光检测法检测土壤中克百威的动态变化，比较不同浓度的90％丁硫克百威原药和20％丁硫克百威乳油制剂在土壤主要代谢产物克百威中的动态变化及其对蚯蚓的毒性。结果表明：当90％丁硫克百威原药的浓度为42.74、85.47、170.94、341.88、512.82 mg/kg时，试验第7天，土壤中克百威的浓度分别为12.941、25.272、56.652、104.984、143.870 mg/kg；而当20％丁硫克百威制剂的浓度为42.74、85.47、170.94、341.88、512.82 mg/kg时，试验第7天，克百威的浓度分别18.445、41.793、67.709、119.515、144.538 mg/kg。第7天时丁硫克百威原药和制剂在土壤中对蚯蚓的LC50分别为170.514、113.757 mg/kg，实际测得的丁硫克百威对土壤中蚯蚓的毒性已演变成丁硫克百威及其降解产物的联合毒性。土壤中克百威的浓度，与添加丁硫克百威的浓度、时间呈正相关，20％丁硫克百威乳油制剂在土壤中的代谢能力及其对土壤中蚯蚓的毒性均高于原药。     

Effects of sulfosulfuron soil residues on barley (Hordeum vulgare), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and common vetch (vicia sativa)

The phytotoxicity and sensitivity of succeeding crops to the new sulfonylurea, sulfosulfuron, have been reported although there is insufficient data on the phytotoxic effect of field soil residues. Growth chamber bioassays were conducted to detect the presence of residues in soil samples previously treated with sulfosulfuron at the recommended rate and double rate (20 and 40 g a.i./ha) that could affect the succeeding crop. Soil samples were collected between 7 and 9 months after sulfosulfuron application in field selectivity assays at nine different locations in Northern and Central Spain. The bioassay test species were barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) ‘Graphic’, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) ‘Albasol’ and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) ‘Neska’, typical crops grown in rotation with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in this area. Sulfosulfuron residues did not affect barley and common vetch, but inhibited shoot length, root length and root dry weight of sunflower seeded into some soils treated with the 2× rate (40 g a.i/ha) 9 months earlier.     

Controlled-release insecticide granules, compared with other soil insecticides, for use against the termite, Macrotermes natalensis Haviland, in the establishment of Eucalyptus plantations

Following the banning of DDT and dieldrin, and pending the withdrawal of other organochlorine insecticides in many countries, there is a need to find alternative treatments against termites for the establishment of Eucalyptus forestry plantations. Controlled-release granules (CRG) of carbosulfan, carbofuran and phorate were nearly as effective as chlordane emulsifiable concentrate (0·6 g a.i./tree) in reducing attack on Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden by Macrotermes natalensis Haviland. The optimum application rate of CRG formulations was 1·0 g a.i./tree mixed with the surrounding soil at planting out. Changes in granule size and release rate had no discernable effect on the efficacy of the granules, nor was there any advantage in incorporating part of the dose in the seedling planting medium. Chlorpyrifos CRG was significantly less effective in protecting the trees. There was evidence that under dry soil conditions phorate CRG was ineffective. Of 11 other non-controlled-release insecticides tested, alphamethrin suspension concentrate at 0·1 g a.i./tree was the only non-organochlorine material as effective as the CRG formulations.     

Chemical control of Delia platura in Phaseolus vulgaris with seed and soil treatments in Chile

A field trial with beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was performed in the Santiago area, to evaluate the insecticidal effect of aldrin, carbofuran, chlorpyriphos, diazinon and lindane, applied to the seed or to the seed furrow, against the bean fly, Delia platura Meigen (Diptera, Anthomyiidae). Plant emergence was reduced with carbofuran and diazinon as a seed treatment, and chlorpyriphos in the furrow, in relation to the checks. All insecticidal treatments reduced the damage to the plants, demonstrating the value of using insecticides for controlling this pest.     

Sample size determination for the stalk-eyed fly Diopsis longicornis Macquart (Diptera: Diopsidae) damage on rice under natural field conditions

Proportions of rice tillers damaged by the stalk-eyed fly (SEF), Diopsis longicornis Macquart, were statistically analysed for nine sampling periods (rice growth stages) to determine the optimal sample size for use in damage assessment in the future. The major variation (>90%) in the proportion of damaged tillers was attributable to differences between hills, with <10% attributable to differences between stations. The effects of stations, although relatively small, were found to be statistically significant in seven of nine sampling periods. Graphs of coefficient of variation ( ) against the number of stations (t) and number of sample hills (n) showed that using t = 2 to t = 4 and n = 20 to n = 25 would give a precision of <2.0%. Damage levels remained almost constant during the nine sampling periods, but variability was observed to be greater at the initial and final sampling periods, and smaller in the intermediate sampling periods. The optimal combinations of the number of stations (t_opt) and sample size (n_opt) were obtained for a given ratio of the cost due to station (C_s) to the cost due to hill (C_H).     

Insecticides for control of potato tuberworm and green peach aphid on potatoes in California

Six insecticides were evaluated in a replicated field experiment at Gonzales, California, for control of the potato tuberworm,Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), and the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Azodrin^®, methomyl, Stauffer N 4543 (O-isobutyl ethylphosphonodithioate S-ester with N-(mercaptomethyl) phthalimide) and azinphosmethyl were applied as foliage sprays by ground sprayer at 2-week intervals. The systemic insecticides, aldicarb (Temik^®) and carbofuran (Furadan^®) formulated as 10% granules, were applied to the soil as side dress treatments on the same day that the spray treatments were begun. Aldicarb granules were also applied topically so that the granules fell on the young plants and on the soil surface. Azinphosmethyl, Stauffer N 4543, Azodrin^® and methomyl effectively controlled the tuberworm larvae in the foliage but effective control of tuberworms in the harvested tubers occurred only where azinphosmethyl, methomyl and Stauffer N 4543 were used. The granule applications of carbofuran and aldicarb were totally ineffective in controlling the potato tuberworm. Effective green peach aphid control was obtained with Azodrin^® spray and the two granular aldicarb treatments. The side dressed application of aldicarb appeared to provide better green peach aphid control than did the soil surface application.     

Effects of systemic insecticides on potato growth and their interaction with metribuzin

Effects of the soil systemic insecticides aldicarb, phorate, and disulfoton on potato growth were measured from 1984–1986 on the cultivars Russet Burbank and Centennial. In all seasons, aldicarb was observed to cause a significant promotion of flowering and in one season also caused increased haulm growth. Phorate caused a reduction in these growth parameters in one season. Temporary effects on early season yields were observed from the aldicarb treatment in one year but final yields were never significantly affected by insecticide use alone. During 1985–1986 additional treatments were investigated involving insecticide combinations with the herbicide metribuzin to determine possible insecticide-herbicide interactions. Phorate-metribuzin combinations caused synergistic metribuzin injury symptoms, decreased haulm growth and yield in 1986. Metribuzin also decreased yields of aldicarb treated potatoes in 1986 and disulfoton treated potatoes in 1985. Disulfoton-metribuzin combinations decreased flowering in 1985. These data suggest that soil systemic insecticides can have direct effects on potato growth, independent of effects on pest suppression, and that they may interact with other crop protection chemicals.     

Effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. for control of the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in maize in Kenya

The fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and insecticide trichlorfon were compared for the control of stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in field experiments at different times of infestation. Egg masses of C. partellus at the blackhead stage were pinned to the undersurface of the maize leaves. Two fungal formulations, conidial aqueous suspensions and a granular formulation, were applied. Compared with the untreated checks, the numbers of surviving C. partellus larvae were significantly reduced in treatments where B. bassiana was applied at a concentration of 10¹³ conidia ha⁻¹ as granules and as two aqueous spray formulations. No significant difference in numbers of stem borer larvae was found between trichlorfon and the untreated check. Fungus granules persisted longer in the field than did one spray of the fungus inoculum at the same concentration, or trichlorfon. A major increase in grain yield was obtained with two fungal sprays and with fungus granules both applied at a concentration of 10¹³ conidia ha⁻¹. A granular formulation of B. bassiana should be considered for the control of the stem borer C. partellus.     

Determining the toxicity and hazard to fish of a rice insecticide

The experiments described were carried out to establish whether the effects of the insecticide, Ripcord (active ingredient cypermethrin), on fish, would limit its use in rice. Laboratory and field experiments were carried out, and the effects of cypermethrin were compared with those of a ‘standard insecticide’, carbofuran, widely used for pest control in rice, and a ‘positive control’, chlorfenvinphos, expected to be toxic to fish in rice paddies at insecticidally effective rates. Acute toxicity tests in the laboratory with the technical materials on the fish Tilapia nilotica showed cypermethrin, with a 96 h LC₅₀ value of 2 μg/l, to be some 20 times more toxic than chlorfenvinphos, with a 96 h LC₅₀ value of 39 μg/l, and some 250 times more toxic than carbofuran with a 96 h LC₅₀ of 480 μg/l. The LC₅₀ values obtained from laboratory tests with formulated products (cypermethrin EC, chlorfenvinphos granules and carbofuran granules) on T. nilotica and Cyprinus carpio were broadly in agreement with those obtained from the tests with the technical materials and confirmed C. carpio to have a similar susceptibility to that of T. nilotica. However, a field experiment carried out in paddy rice in Korea with commercial formulations and at commercial application rates showed that mortality of caged C. carpio was much less with cypermethrin (< 15%) than with chlorfenvinphos (97%) or carbofuran (67%). A second field experiment in Spain where cypermethrin was applied by air resulted in no mortality of caged C. carpio held in the paddy. It is concluded that the limited toxic effects of cypermethrin on fish in the field, when compared with those of chlorfenvinphos and carbofuran, make it acceptable for use in rice. The effects of cypermethrin were limited in comparison with those of chlorfenvinphos and carbofuran because only very low application rates of cypermethrin are needed to give pest control. The penetration of the liquid cypermethrin formulations into the water was also lower than that of the granular insecticides and, finally, cypermethrin was more rapidly lost from water. Together, these factors are sufficient to explain the minimal toxic effects of cypermethrin in the field when compared with chlorfenvinphos and carbofuran, despite its considerably higher acute toxicity determined in laboratory tests.     

The effect of nematicides onPratylenchus penetrans and potato yields

Aldicarb applied as Temik 10% or 15% granular at 1.68, 2.24 or 3.36 kg/ha active ingredient (a.i.) in the row at planting reduced the size of populations ofPratylenchus penetrons in experimental plots and commercial fields. Both aldicarb and the soil fumigant, Telone-II, were associated with yield increases of about 40% in Superior and Sebago potatoes in experimental plots in 1978, but there were no significant increases in yield in 1979 and 1980. A comparison was made between areas treated with aldicarb 10% granular at 2.24 kg/ha a.i. or disulfoton 15% granular at 3.36 kg/ha a.i. in 24 commercial fields. Average yields from the combined results of Kennebec, Superior, Sebago, and Russet Burbank cultivars were about 13% higher in the aldicarb treatments. Yields in six fields where aldicarb was applied at 3.36 kg/ha a.i. were not different from yields in adjacent fields treated with the lower rate of aldicarb. Superior potatoes inoculated withP. penetrons, or uninoculated, were grown in pots in the greenhouse in fine sandy loam at moisture levels of 35–55% or 70–100% field capacity. The lower soil moisture level and the nematode treatment reduced tuber weights. The nematode-soil moisture interaction was significant in one of the two experiments.     

Aerial treatment of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) with Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) in Australia

Between November 1998 and March 1999, bands of nymphs of Locusta migratoria were aerially treated using a ULV oil formulation of strain FI-985 of Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum. At a dose of 3–4×10¹² conidia/ha, there was <10% survival of locusts in treated sorghum crops, open grassland or open woodland with grass. Decline was less at lower doses or in dense woodland. During the first week after treatment, bands showed little change in numbers, but then rapidly declined in size and rate of movement. The decline was slower where vegetation was tall or dense, or where bands were large and moved out of the treated area a few days after spraying. In areas where bands were treated with Metarhizium, populations were suppressed in that few adult swarms formed. Adjacent untreated areas had many adult swarms which had to be controlled using chemical insecticides. Preventive locust control, as currently practised in Australia, involves beginning treatment when areas of band and swarm are small and the potential for direct damage limited. The clear demonstration that Metarhizium can suppress small local populations of L. migratoria indicate that it could be a valuable component of preventive control programmes against this species. The delay in mortality when treating with Metarhizium would be no impediment to its use in such programmes.     

不同地区禾谷孢囊线虫对不同类型杀线剂的敏感性

为明确不同地区禾谷孢囊线虫对不同类型杀线剂的敏感性,采用浸渍法分别测定了灭线磷、噻唑膦、涕灭威、丁硫克百威、阿维菌素及甲维盐六种药剂对河南清丰、河北保定、安徽颍上、山东泰安和青岛五个地区的禾谷孢囊线虫二龄幼虫的室内毒力。结果表明,六种杀线剂对五个地区线虫的毒力表现为:甲维盐>阿维菌素>灭线磷>涕灭威>噻唑膦>丁硫克百威。灭线磷、噻唑膦、涕灭威和丁硫克百威对各地区线虫的LC50值都在582.7mg.L-1以上,不同地区线虫对同一药剂的敏感性存在一定差异,但相对毒力指数均在1.31以下;阿维菌素对各地区线虫的LC50值为26.0～66.3mg.L-1,甲维盐对各地区线虫的LC50值为20.1～35.3mg.L-1,不同地区线虫对这两种药剂的敏感性存在较大差异,相对毒力指数最高达2.55。     

Wild safflower species (Carthamus oxyacanthus): A possible source of resistance to the safflower fly (Acanthiophilus helianthi)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important oil seed crop with growing importance in many countries around the world. However, safflower fly (Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi) is one of the main limiting factors to expand the production area of the crop in several countries. Since host plant-resistance is the most efficient method for pest management, we evaluated a germplasm of wild accessions (Carthamus oxyacanthus Bieb.) with mostly brown–black seed coat color along with some white-seeded cultivated safflower genotypes for resistance to safflower fly. The results showed that there was a significant difference between two species for safflower fly damage with all cultivated genotypes being susceptible. However, for the accessions of C. oxyacanthus, a wide range of resistance was observed. In a choice experiment and natural infestation, 35.3–78.9 percent of heads per plant were infested in genotypes of C. tinctorius while for the accessions of C. oxyacanthus this was much smaller and ranged from 1.6 to 13.6%. In addition, percentage of seed yield loss per infested plant was more drastic in cultivated safflower (29.0–72.8%) than the wild accessions (0.0–21.4%). In the no-choice experiment, fly population was dramatically decreased in the wild accessions due to larval mortality and possibility of antibiosis. There was a strong relationship between brown–black seed coat color and resistance to safflower fly indicating the possibility of using this trait in breeding programs of safflower to develop fly-resistant cultivars.     

呋喃丹降解菌的分离与特性研究

采用富集驯化培养方法,从长期施用呋喃丹的大豆田土壤中分离到1株可高效降解呋喃丹的菌株.生物降解表明,5 d内该菌株生物降解农药牢达到94.7%;降解后期培养液采用气质联用分析方法末能检测到原药呋喃丹,检测到有新的化合物生成,而对照培养液中末发现有该类化合物的生成.同时无机盐培养液后期有红色现象生成,可能与呋喃酚开环有关;无细胞提取液加入农药重新培养表明,菌株可通过分泌胞外诱导酶在周质空间内降解农药;经16S rDNA鉴定,初步认为该菌株属于沙雷氏菌属(Serratia sp.).