Evaluation of Furadan as a substitute for Aldrin in the control of the yam tuber beetles, Heteroligus meles and H. appius (Coleoptera:Dynastidae)
DOI:10.36108/NJE/8991/51.0120
UMEOZOR, O. C
ABSTRACT
Field experiments were conducted in 1993 and 1994 at Choba near Port Harcourt, Nigeria to compare the effectiveness of aldrin WP and Furadan 3G in the control of yam (Dioscorea sp.) tuber beetles, Heteroligus meles and H. appius, During both years, a highly significant difference (P<0.01) existed among the treatments. In 1993, the means of beetle feeding holes were 9.8, 4.2, and 9.1 for aldrin, Furadan, and control treatments, respectively, while in 1994, the means of beetle feeding holes were 23.0, 9.2, and 29.9 for aldrin, Furadan, and control treatments, respectively. Least Significant Difference analysis indicated that Furadan very significantly (p<0.01) reduced beetle damage, compared with aldrin. During the’ two years, there was no significant difference between the level of damage in the aldrin-treated plants and the control. From the result, it does appear that the beetles have developed resistance to aldrin and that Furadan could be used to substitute aldrin in the control of the yam beetles.