Effect of temephos on chironomid and plankton populations in eel culture ponds

Abstract

A nuisance chironomid midge, Polypedilum nubifer, breeding in eel culture ponds was controlled successfully with temephos but recovered or alternate species appeared within 1 mo. Procladius sp. tolerated temephos and increased following treatment. The species composition of zooplankton population in the ponds changed. A decrease in crustaceans and predatory rotifers by the insecticide caused an increase in other rotifers. Phytoplankton did not change immediately after treatment, but increased its standing crop 1 mo. later. No appreciable change occurred in water quality with application of the insecticide.