Preliminary Results of Field Trials on the Control of Ephestia cautella as a Pest of Bagged Maize in Malawi

Abstract

The effectiveness against Ephestia cautella of Lindane, Malathion, Bromophos, Dursban and Pyrethrins was tested on small stacks of bagged maize in Malawi. The first four insecticides were sprayed either directly on the bags or on a hessian sheet which covered the stacks. The best result was obtained with Dursban when sprayed at a high dosage (3000 mg a.i./m²) on the hessian cover. Bromophos was second in effectiveness under the same conditions. When both insecticides were sprayed directly on the bags at lower dosages, but more frequently, control was nil. Lindane alternated with Malathion gave only some control when applied frequently at a high dosage. The Pyrethrins were found ineffective. The significance of these results for further research is discussed.