The compatibility of DDT with nicotine and alkaline diluents in agricultural dusts

Abstract

An alkaline diluent such as calcium hydroxide is generally used in nicotine aphicidal formulations; however, when DDT is mixed with these dusts for added larvicidal effect, it is decomposed rapidly. Experiments show that this decomposition is directly due to the alkaline nature of the diluent and only to a small extent to the effect of the nicotine. A combined dust consisting of DDT and nicotine in pyrophyllite, calcium carbonate, or magnesium carbonate is sufficiently stable for use against cabbage insects and may be stored safely for at least two months.