The effect of DDT and BHC on the population of the Lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (L). (Collembola), and its control by predatory mites, Biscirus Spp. (Bdellidae)

Abstract

Top-dressing of pastures with BHC mixed with superphosphate destroyed only a moderate proportion of the lucerne flea population, and no harmful effect was produced on the predatory bdellid mites (Biscirus spp.). After topdressing with DDT incorporated in superphosphate, the lucerne flea population became greater than that in the control plots and evidence is produced that this was due to the elimination of the bdellid mites, which are susceptible to DDT treatment.