Effect of placements on the efficacy of granulated systemic insecticides against sorghum shootfly (Atherigona varia soccata, Rond.)

Field tests were carried out at Poona, Maharashtra State, India, during 1968-69 to determine the effect of the position of granules of phorate or disulfoton (applied at rates of 2 and 2.5 kg toxicant/ha, respectively) on the control of Atherigona Soccata Rond. (varia soccata) on sorghum. Counts of the numbers of dead hearts up to 40 days after sowing showed that phorate was generally much more effective than disulfoton. Placing the granules in a circle 5 cm in radius and 1.25 cm below the seed was the best phorate treatment, while placing the granules in direct contact with the seed was the best disulfoton treatment, though it was slightly phytotoxic