Alternative insecticides for the control of the pasture cockchafer (Aphodius tasmaniae Hope) in pasture

Abstract

A field trial was conducted to compare methidathion (400 g ha-1 a.i.), endosulfan (500 g and 350 g ha-1 a.i.), phosmet (400 g ha-1 a.i.) and chlorfenvinphos (400 g ha-1 a.i.) with lindane (300 g ha-1 a.i.) for the control of pasture cockchafer larvae in pasture. Methidathion and both rates of endosulfan provided better or similar levels of control of larvae compared with lindane and were better than phosmet and chlorfenvinphos. Endosulfan (350 g ha-1 a.i.) and methidathion (400 g ha-1 a.i.) are recommended for control of pasture cockchafer larvae in South Australia.