Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
An account is given of the history of chemical control Phthorimaea operculella (Zell.) in potato fields in Rhodesia since the introduction of DDt prior to 1952. The failure of DDT and endrin, in routine spraying, to control field infestations is reproted, and some evidence that this is due to insecticide resistance is given. The results of critical field trials made in 1961, 1964 and 1965 to evaluate a range of insecticides for control of P. operculella and for their effects on populations of Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thos.) are presented, together with the results of some laboratory tests. Good control of P. operculella in the field was obtained with sprays of azinphos-methyl at the rate of 0.5 lb active ingredient in 20 gal. water per acre, and two new compounds, methidathion and chlorfenvinphos, showed promise for the future.