The Effect of Certain Organic Insecticides on the Mortality and Oviposition of Pink Bollworm Adults1

Abstract

Several organic phosphorus and chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides were evaluated according to their effect on mortality and oviposition of pink bollworm adults. The insecticides were applied as sprays to growing cotton plants, and pink bollworm moths were confined with each plant in a 2’ × 2’ × 2’ cage. After 5 days mortality records were taken and the total number of eggs deposited on each plant was determined. At economical field dosages, Guthion, Guthion-DDT (1:3) mixture, DDT, and endrin were most effective in killing pink bollworm moths. Guthion and Guthion-DDT (1:3) mixture were more effective than DDT in causing a reduction of oviposition and in killing pink bollworm moths. Guthion at one-half pound per acre resulted in 89% control and 99% reduction in oviposition, and the Guthion-DDT (1:3) mixture at 2 pounds per acre resulted in 92% control and 95% reduction in oviposition.