Studies on Nicotiana Rustica as a Source of a Nicotine for Insect Control

Abstract

This investigation had for its purpose the testing of the rate of volatilization of nicotine from ground Nicotiana Rustica (a high nicotine tobacco) in order to ascertain whether or not this type of tobacco could be used as an insecticidal dust. The ground tobacco was used alone, or with other materials. The rate of nicotine evolution was measured by the death rate or suspended animation of cabbage aphids ( Aphis brassicae Linnaeus) and other soft-bodied insects. As a result of these studies the following conclusions seem justified: (1) The ground tobacco, when used alone, with water or with basic lime compounds was not efficient as an insecticide in the control of aphids. (2) If sufficient quantities of basic materials were mixed with the ground tobacco, it was found that the addition of water resulted in the evolution of nicotine, the rate of evolution depending in a large measure on the amount of water added. (3) A mixture containing 5 parts of tobacco, 5 parts of hydrated lime and 3 parts of water proved to be very efficient as an insecticide under laboratory and field conditions. Notwithstanding the relatively large amount of water present, it was found that such a mixture could be applied to vegetation by the use of power blowers and with no especial difficulty. (4) Mixtures of the ground tobacco, water and basic lime compounds could be kept in sealed containers for a relatively long period of time with no apparent loss of toxicity. (5) These experiments warrant that some consideration be given to the possibility of cultivating Nicotiana Rustica for its nicotine content alone and to utilize it in the form of an insecticidal dust.