Some effects of DDT, dieldrin, dimethoate and fenthion on growth of cucumbers

Abstract

In phytotoxicity tests with 4 insecticides dimethoate proved to be the safest compound for use on cucumbers. Yields from plants sprayed with 0.05% dimethoate emulsion were the highest, and control of Aphis gossypii was adequate. DDT emulsion at 0.1 % killed or severely damaged the plants; DDT as a 50 % dispersible powder caused some marginal scorch and yellowing. Dieldrin as a 0.05% emulsion did not affect plant growth or fruit production adversely. Fenthion as a 0.05% emulsion caused visible stunting in the early stages of growth, which led to a reduction in the number of leaves and in fruit size.