Insecticidal operations against Chironomid midges along the Blue Nile.

Abstract

In 1956 and 1957, tests were made in the Sudan Eepublic of four methods of applying insecticides for the control of heavy infestations of midges, particularlyTanytarsus lewisiFreeman, which breed in the Blue Nile. During the winter season the adults occur in myriads in areas adjacent to the river in Khartoum and similar localities, resting in trees and shrubs by day and being attracted to artificial lights after duskAn emulsion containing 0·4 per cent. DDT applied from the ground to shadetrees in Khartoum at the rate of 0·5·1·0 lb. DDT per tree achieved local control of the midges for three days and detectable reduction for 10 days. An emulsion containing 12·5 per cent. DDT applied from an aircraft to the wooded riverfrontage at Khartoum at 2·1 lb. per acre reduced the numbers of adult midges for the next 15 days, but subsequent applications under conditions of greater air turbulence were ineffective.The application of DDT as a larvicide in oil solution from aircraft to the river 10 miles above Khartoum, at a concentration approximately equivalent to 0·1 p.p.m. in 2 hours' riverflow, did not appear to reduce the numbers of adults or immature stages at Khartoum, and was followed by some mortality of fish.