Abstract
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries' report for 1932-34 on insects affecting crops has been drawn up by Mr. J. C. F. Fryer, in collaboration with his colleagues at the Plant Pathological Laboratory, Harpenden. In dealing with advances in the application of insecticidal measures, the subject of pyrethrum is again considered in this report. Methods for the evaluation of the toxic principles of pyrethrum, elaborated by Dr. F. Tattersfield at the Rothamsted Station, have proved valuable, and it has been further shown that the incorporation of certain antioxidants greatly retards the deterioration of pyrethrum dust when exposed to the air. The plant has been shown to grow, and to yield satisfactorily, under English conditions; but the available methods of harvesting entail too heavy labour costs to warrant cultivation as a paying proposition. This aspect, therefore, remains in abeyance, at any rate for the time being, but in view of the valuable properties of pyrethrum, and the safety attending its application as a spray fluid, we may hope that cultural difficulties will eventually be overcome.
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I., A. Insect Pests of Crops in England. Nature 138, 212–213 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/138212a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/138212a0