Cold Fog Applications of Pesticides for Control of Malacosoma Disstria

Abstract

Tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of a ULV fog generator in dispersing Bacillus thuringiensis and Bt-combinations of synthetic organic insecticides in liquid formulations against the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstha. Those formulations containing superior horticultural oil as the carrier gave better control over those in which water was the sole carrier. The water portion of the mist particle was subject to rapid evaporation and appeared to be a major cause for poor control in the system described. The ULV fogger with some mechanical modifications, can be used effectively for application of microbial insecticides to trees. Thuricide 16B combined with acephate in an oil emulsion carrier was highly effective in reducing tent caterpillar populations.