A New Bioassay Unit for Evaluating Larvicides Against Blackflies1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Important features of a bioassay-rearing unit suitable for laboratory evaluations of both fast-, and slow-acting blackfly (Simulium spp.) larvicides are a flushing method for water exchange and toxicant removal and the ability of the conical section to settle heavier than water particulates. Mortalities of control late instars ranged from 0–4%. Mortality of 2nd instars (in control units) was 6–9% over a 2-wk period. Two formulations of temephos (Abate EC 4 and Procida EC 2) produced mean mortalities of 74 and 78%. respectively, in late instars of S. vittatum Zetterstedt exposed to 0.02 ppm for one h. The units require less time for daily cleaning and water exchange than the conventionally utilized jar method. The time required for water exchange in the standard jar method of rearing was over 3 times as long as that required for the new unit.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: