Insecticides Against Larvae of the Cacao Webworm Pansepta teleturga Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae).

Abstract

Thirty-five insecticides were screened for effectiveness against larvae of Pansepta teleturga, a wood borer in cacao trees. Several of the more promising insecticides were selected for field trials, using 1 or 2 of 3 methods of application:
(i) spraying onto the web,
(ii) application of systemic insecticides to the bark, and
(iii) swabbing a dilute solution onto the feeding area.
Swabbing was the only effective method. Endrin, azinophos-ethyl and dimethoa'te were the most effective insecticides when swabbed. Dimethoate is recommended because of its comparatively low mammalian toxicity.