Effects of 2,4-D, maleic acid hydrazide, and 2,4,5-T on survival and growth of the prairie grain wireworm, Ctenicera destructor Brown (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Abstract

Larvae of Ctenicera destructor Brown having an average initial weight of 47.3 mg were reared individually for 6 months at 68 ± 2 °F and 75 ± 5% relative humidity, with diets containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), maleic acid hydrazide (MH), or 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), at six concentrations. Although certain trends relating gains in weight of larvae to dietary concentrations of chemicals were observed, under normal agricultural practices these chemicals probably have little effect on field populations of the prairie grain wireworm.