Measuring Wireworm Reactions to Soil Insecticides by Tagging with Radioactive Cobalt1

Abstract

Wireworm control is necessary for the successful production of some crops in almost every important agricultural region of the world. The techniques used to follow wireworms in the soil, however, have always left much to be desired. Until recently the methods used were very artificial and the wireworm habitat had to be interrupted so that the insect could be studied. This problem has been solved by recent developments in the use of radioactive isotopes. By using radioactive nuclides whole animals such as insects can be traced. The insect is allowed to move about in any direction, and the natural environment is no longer altered as in other procedures.