Effects of DDT and Other Insecticides on Several Species of Potato Insects

Authors

Roscoe E. Hill

Date of this Version

6-1945

Document Type

Article

Citation

Hill, Roscoe E. (1945) Effects of DDT and other insecticides on several species of potato insects (Research Bulletin: Bulletin of the Agricultural Experiment Station of Nebraska No. 138)

Comments

ISSN 0097-1469

Abstract

Field and laboratory tests conducted in Nebraska showed DDT to be more effective than any other material yet tested against potato insect pests. Records were obtained on tuber flea beetles, Epitrix tuberis, potato psyllids, Paratrioza cockerelli, potato leafhoppers, Empoasca fabae, green peach aphids, Myzus persicae, Lygus elisus, Chlamydatus associatus, Aceratagallia uhleri and Macrosteles divisus. DDT remained effective against potato psyllids and potato leafhoppers under field conditions for a relatively long period of time. Populations of certain beneficial insects, such as Nabis spp., Orius spp. and lady beetles were found to be significantly reduced by DDT dust or spray. The adverse effect of DDT on predatory species seems to be minimized by the fact that this material also controls the major potato pests found in this state. DDT had no injurious effect on potato plants at the strengths used.