Biochemical Testing Method for Determining Efficiency of Chemical Treatment on Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comst.

Efficiency of chemical control of Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comst. can be assessed, 3–5 days after treatment, by the use of a colour reaction relating to oxyreductase activity. The optimal conditions for this reaction are a 0.5-1.5% solution of 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (pH 10.5) and time of 2–3 h. It is noted that use of a biochemical test for assessing mortality is possible for other insects, and is not dependent on the reasons causing their death.