Term of Award

Spring 1993

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biology

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Department

Department of Biology

Committee Chair

Daniel V. Hagan

Committee Member 1

Michael P. Moulton

Committee Member 2

Oscar J. Pung

Abstract

Temephos, an organophosphate insecticide was evaluated as a control agent for larval Culicoides spp. in two field trials (August 13-15, 1991 and March 23-26, 1992) . Temephos (Abate 4E) was applied, using a hand-held CO2 spray apparatus, at two dosage rates, label rate (1.5 oz/acre) and 2X label rate (3.0 oz/ acre). Each was tested in three plots during the three day trials. Three plots were untreated to serve as check plots. Mud samples were taken from each plot prior to treatment and 3, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment to ascertain efficacy.

In the August 1991 study, mean larval numbers differed significantly over time (pre-treatment, 3, 24, and 48 h post-treatments) and between treatments (check, label rate, and 2X label rate). In the March 1992 study, mean larval numbers were significantly different over time and between treatments. The larvae also differed significantly between the plots within the treatments. Control of larvae was not dose dependent.

Blood feeding behavior of field collected adult female Culicoides was examined in laboratory studies in hopes of being able to consistently get the flies to feed. The effects of several environmental variables on feeding behavior were tested. These included light intensity, light color, cage size, moisture during transport and temperature. White mice were sedated and placed in glass containers with adult, predominantly female, biting midges. Since feeding was never really demonstrated under any condition, the effect of the above variables on feeding behavior could not be evaluated. I am sure that under the appropriate circumstances (i.e., a setting in which the flies are feeding) that alteration of these variables would probably affect feeding behavior.

OCLC Number

1031400509

Copyright

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