Progress Report on the Investigations of Aliphatic Thiocyanates as Contact Insecticides

Abstract

Exptl. work involved the use, on Citrus and various ornamentals, of 2 forms of [beta] butoxy [beta]''thiocyanodiethylether: (a) a commercial concentrate containing 23% of the thiocyanate, with an oil-soluble anhydrous emulsifier and pine oil; and (b) a special concentrate, consisting of a combination of the thiocyanate and an oil-soluble anhydrous emulsifier and suitable petroleum oils; the spreader used with a was a 10% soln. of a complex mixture of sulphonated aromatic phenolic amines. Test spp. were Dialeurodes citri, Aphis spiraecola, Pseudococcus citri, Franhliniella tritici bispinosus, Eriophyes oleivorus, Chrysomphalus aonidium and Lepidiosaphes beckii. The toxicity of the thiocyanate to the insects and the plants was tested. The material proved to be an effective control for common white fly, green citrus aphid, mealy bug, rust mite, thrips, and ornamental aphids; but was not very effective when used against armored scales.