Pyrethroids as cotton insecticides

The development of photostable synthetic pyrethroid insecticides has particular significance in cotton pest control, where they are rapidly occupying the position once held by the persistent organochlorines whilst being much more acceptable environmentally. Spraying on ‘threshold of damage’ pest populations determined by regular ‘scouting’ will make for cost-effectiveness, aid beneficial species and, it is hoped, delay the onset of pest resistance to the compounds.