Laboratory Assessment of 73 Insecticides Against the Oriental Fruit Fly, Melon Fly, and Mediterranean Fruit Fly13

Abstract

From 1952 to 1968, several hundred insecticides were assayed in the laboratory (by topical applications to the thoracic mesonotum) for toxicity to the 3 species of tephritids found in Hawaii: oriental fruit flies, Dacus dorsalis Hendel; melon flies, D. cucurbitae Coquillett; and Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). The results with 73 insecticides are reported by computed dosemortality curves LD50 levels in εg toxicant/fly, the upper and lower limits at the 95% confidence level, and the slopes. Malathion was the standard for comparison. LD50’s were not established for chlorobenzilate, dicofol, Zinophos® O, O-diethyl O-pyrazinyl phosphorothioate), and tetradifon. At any dose tested, no LD50 against oriental fruit flies was established for carbaryl; no LD50 against the melon fly was established for DDT, methoxychlor, and Pyrazoxon® (diethyl 3-methylpyrazol-5-yl phosphate); and no LD50 against oriental fruit flies and melon flies was established for Terbeno® (polychlorinated terpene). Dimethoate and naled were generally the most toxic of the insecticides against all 3 species when they were applied in this manner.