Thiamethoxam - an improved strategy for maize and sunflower seed treatment against Tanymecus dilaticollis

摘要

Tanymecus dilaticollis is the most dangerous soil pest of maize and sunflower, able to induce high yield losses, and even compromise crops. For many years, its control was based nearly exclusively on organochlorine insecticides applied as dusts. These contributed to environmental pollution and the destruction of beneficial fauna. The very good results obtained in the control of this pest by seed dressing with carbofuran products resulted in the promotion and adoption of this seed treatment as it constituted a modern, efficient, economic and less polluting control method than insecticides applied as dusts. However, the very high toxicity of carbofuran to man and animals, as well as a tendency for T. dilaticollis to develop tolerance to this compound, necessitated the development of seed treatments using less toxic products. Trials performed to this aim showed very good results for the use of Cruiser 350 FS, a thiamethoxam-based product, which provided a satisfactory level of protection for maize and sunflower crops against T. dilaticollis. As this product has a much lower toxicity than older alternatives, it is possible for unauthorized persons to apply this seed treatment, which is not the case for carbofuran.