: A field trial was carried out in Kent, UK, in 1980, to assess the possible hazards to wildlife of methiocarb used as a spray to protect ripening cherries from damage by birds. A broad range of studies was undertaken on a single site subjected to a series of five applications. Ground deposition was measured by analysis of strips of chromatography paper and petri dishes placed between lines of trees. Airborne drift was measured on targets up to 11 m above the ground, and methiocarb residues were measured in samples of cherries. Birds were captured by intensive mist-netting throughout the trial, and breeding success was monitored in nest boxes and natural nest sites. Livetraps were set to catch small mammals in the orchard on five occasions during the trial. Systematic searches for possible casualties were made, resulting in the discovery of 21 birds found dead or incapacitated. Levels of activity of plasma, liver and brain esterases were measured in samples taken from several species, and liver slices from House Sparrows, Starlings and Thrushes were examined histologically for signs of cell damage. Samples of breast muscle tissue from Starlings and House Sparrows were analysed by GLC for residues of methiocarb and its principal breakdown product, methiocarb sulfoxide. Overall, the trial revealed that many birds and mammals were exposed to methiocarb, but its effects were largely transient and sublethal. Even a heavy repeated programme of spray applications did not cause any serious hazard to wildlife populations.
A preliminary investigation has shown that methyl isothiocyanate is the principal product of decomposition of sodium S-metliyldithiocarbamate (metham-sodium) when applied t o soil. Methyl isothiocyanate can react with aqueous ammonia hydroxide t o afford N-methylthiourea, but surface applications of ammonium compounds to assist this reaction in soil were found t o be without significant effect under outdoor conditions.
A modified Shapiro's cotton tape test is a satisfactory laboratory method for examining the wetting properties of anionic and non-ionic wetters when used with agricultural sprays It has been shown that the concentration of wetter which wets a standard length of cotton tape in 15 sec. is related t o the degree of wetting of a cabbage leaf. The test may be standardxed for leaves other than cabbage.. at high volume.
Spraying the potato variety Ulster Supreme with triphenyltin acetate delayed the spread of Phytophthora infestans in 1960 and increased the gross yield of tubers from 13-5 in the unsprayed controls t o 16.3 tons/acre. The sprayed plants also had fewer infected tubers and consequently the net weight of healthy tubers was increased by 3.8 tons/acre.A method for measuring triphenyltin a&sterg&dues on celery was adapted t o measure residues on potato leaves and tubers. The top and bottom leaves of plants had 31 and 36 p.p.m. of triphenyltin acetate immediately after the crop was sprayed ; 2 weeks later the residues were 10 and
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