Possible control of the melolonthid (Costelytra zealandica(White)) using transient insecticides against the adult
Open Access
- 1 February 1970
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research
- Vol. 13 (1), 69-86
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.1970.10421198
Abstract
To investigate the possible control of grass grub (Costelytra zealandica (White)) by applying insecticides at the time of adult emergence, the pattern of development of pupae and adults and of the appearance of eggs was determined on four sites in four successive years by soil sampling. Data on primary emergence of beetles were obtained on three of the sites and related to presence of eggs in the soil. Light-trap records showed that beetles were not generally trapped until quite old, and the appearance of numbers of beetles in the traps was too late in relation to primary emergence to be of value in timing insecticide treatments. Seventeen insecticides of low residue hazard were examined for contact activity against C. zealandica adults. The best of these were “Dursban”, Bayer 77488, and diazinon. Three field trials were conducted using these insecticides, two with ultra-low-volume and one with dilute spraying, each applied to plots within areas of infested pasture. DDT was also included in the high-volume spray trial. Up to four applications, each with rates of use up to 1 lb per acre, were made. Results, based on ensuing numbers of eggs and larvae in the plots, were all negative. It is suggested that the failure of treatments to exert any effect is associated with the behaviour of adult beetles, especially females, resulting in very limited contact with an insecticide deposit on the pasture surface. Unless ways of increasing this contact can be devised (e.g. by the use of attractants), it is concluded that this approach to control is not likely to be effective.Keywords
This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
- Ultra-low-volume spraying for control of porina caterpillar (Wiseana spp., Hepialidae)New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1969
- Field trial results with fensulfothion and trichloronate for control of grass grub ( Costelytra zealandica (White))New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1969
- Laboratory Tests of Ultra-Low-Volume and Conventional Low-Volume Sprays for Controlling the Bollworm and the Tobacco Budworm1Journal of Economic Entomology, 1968
- Field trials in 1963 on the control of grass grub (Costelytra Zealandica (White)) with insecticidesNew Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1965
- Results of soil treatment tests with insecticides for the control of grass grub larvae (Costelytra zealandica(White))New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1965
- Low-Volume Concentrate Sprays Applied by Aircraft for Control of the Cereal Leaf Beetle1Journal of Economic Entomology, 1965