Insecticidal Power and Microscopical Structure of Residual Films of Phenyl-isonitrile and Benzene Hexachloride

Abstract

IN the fight against pistachio nutworm (Eurytoma pistaciæ", Anagnos) and pistachio tree leafhopper (Idiocerus pistaciæ"), we made use of a new insecticide, the basis of which is phenyl-isonitrile. At first it was mixed with nicotine and lead arsenate ; later, instead of nicotine and lead arsenate, we added benzene hexachloride. This preparation proved to be promising, owing to the fact that the one constituent—phenyl-isonitrile—kills the insects and at the same time repels them, while the other constituent—benzene hexachloride—not only kills them but also causes the preparation to remain active for a much longer period. This preparation is used in the form of a water-suspension which is sprinkled on the trees diluted with water.