Effects of Certain Insecticides on Earthworms
- 1 June 1962
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Journal of Economic Entomology
- Vol. 55 (3) , 416-418
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/55.3.416
Abstract
Plots inhabited mainly by Lumbricus terrestris and Allolobophora caliginosa were treated with chlordane, dieldrin and DDT with most emphasis being given DDT. Earthworms accumulated considerable quantities of DDT within one season. Earth-worms extracted from plots treated with 2.8 pounds per acre had 21 ppm DDT compared with 43 ppm in earthworms from plots treated with 25 pounds per acre. In contrast, very few were killed by 2.8 pounds per acre and almost all were Killed by 25 pounds per acre. Less DDT was acquired from granular applications of DDT than from sprays. Chlordane and dieldrine at the recommended rate for white grub control of 10 pounds per acre practically eliminated the earthworms. Tests with an application of lime followed by DDT spray reduced the uptake of DDT only a small amount. The number of earthworms increased in those plots receiving lime alone as compared with no treatment.This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: