Experiments With Talc and Other Dusts Used Against Recently Hatched Larvae of the Oriental and Codling Moths1

Abstract

Preliminary laboratory tests with coarsely ground automobile tire mica dusted on peach foliage showed that a high per cent of 'newly hatched larvae of the Oriental Peach Moth were killed before they reached a point of entry. More extensive laboratory tests with a number of dusts showed that finely ground talc and mica killed a high percentage of Oriental Peach Moth larvae hatching from eggs on peach foliage dusted with these materials. Limited field tests with talc and mica showed that talc sticks better and is more effective than mica or hydrated lime in reducing larval entry into peach twigs. Limited tests with talc and mica dusted on foliage containing Codling Moth eggs showed that the young larvae of this insect are killed by both materials.