Effects of activated charcoal on attack by larvae of the wheat bulb fly, Delia coarctata

Abstract

SUMMARYActivated charcoal interferes with normal host‐seeking by larvae of the wheat bulb fly, Delia coarctata, by adsorbing arrestant compounds exuded from the plants. Thus, in laboratory tests, activated charcoal in soil surrounding one of two rows of wheat seedlings decreased larval attack on the treated row. Charcoal in soil above the level of the seeds decreased attack but had no effect when below the seeds. However, there was no decrease in attack when both rows were in charcoal. Attempts to develop a practical application of this effect in the field are described.