THE EFFICACY OF STARYCIDE (TRIFLUMURON) AGAINST THE GERMAN COCKROACH, BLATTELLA GERMANICA (L.)

Abstract:
Triflumuron is a substituted benzoylphenyl urea compound with a good chitin synthesis inhibition activity. Trial data is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of triflumuron applied as a 480 g/litre suspension concentrate, product name Starycide', against the German cockroach. Two experimental methods and their importance in elucidating the insect development inhibition of triflumuron are described. The first method is a choice test in which the cockroaches only come in contact with the product as they cross a treated barrier in search of food or water. The second involves forced exposure to treated surfaces. In the choice tests the differing sensitivity of the various larval instars can be seen, the first and second stages being much more sensitive than the later instars. The influence of different surface types on the efficacy of the product is also examined, with the result that no significant differences could be found. The forced contact tests have shown that frequent contacts with the treated surfaces are a deciding factor for the efficacy of triflumuron on the cockroach larvae. Frequent short exposures are more effective than single contacts, even if these last for some time, and the applied quantity of active ingredient plays a subordinate role.