Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
All-Purpose Sprays and Dusts
The practicability of combination insecticide-
fungicide mixtures is sometimes argued. The pro-
prietary compounds are more expensive, but they
are more properly prepared than can be done at
home and certainly save a lot of time. Nobody
today could put on in separate applications all the
materials needed. The trouble is that the mixtures
follow fads, as in human medicine. Just as peni-
cillin was given for most human ills some years
ago, so DDT was put in almost all pesticide
mixtures, followed a little later by malathion.
Both are excellent insecticides. The trouble is
they are somewhat too efficient, killing the para-
sites and predators that keep mites and some
other pests in check and also damage the envi-
ronment. DDT is no longer available. Some of the
new fungicides leave a rather conspicuous resi-
due; some are somewhat phytotoxic under certain
conditions. Some of these pesticides are no lon-
ger available owing to new federal pesticide leg-
islation; however, new materials are available
that will replace those whose use is illegal.
Every mixture must be evaluated for particular
climatic situations and kinds of plants. There are
hundreds and hundreds of combinations on the
market under brand names. In order not to be out
of date before this text is printed, I have used as
few brand names as possible.
