Tobacco leaf-pest control investigations, 1949-1955

Abstract

During 1949-55, 15 insecticides were tested for use against leaf-feeding pests of tobacco in seven trials in Queensland. Both dusts and sprays were included, but the dusts were ineffective. The best spray materials for use against Plusia argentífera Gn. were endrin and dieldrin, each at 0.05 per cent. ; endrin was also effective in one trial at 0.025 per cent. A spray of DDT at 0.1 per cent. was the most satisfactory against Heliothis armígera (Hb.), H. punctigera Wllgr. and Prodenia litura (F.). These three materials also gave protection against attack by Phthorimaea (Gnorimoschema) oper-culella (Zell.). The value of many other insecticides was limited by their poor persistence or because they tainted the cured leaf or were hazardous in application.