| Abstract: | Small (70 mg) Boarmia selenaria larvae fed for 4 days on avocado leaves or alfalfa dipped in aqueous diflubenzuron suspensions suffered from severe developmental disturbances. Similar results were obtained with leaves sprayed in an avocado orchard, with which, in addition, the considerable persistence of diflubenzuron under field conditions could be demonstrated. The substance was also active by topical application against large (500–600 mg) B. selenaria larvae, whereas by contact it was only moderately toxic. Some other non-conventional control agents, viz., the antifeedant AC-24055 and several juvenile hormone analogues, were of medium and negligible activity, respectively, against this insect. |
