Browsing by Author "Robinson, William H."

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    1976 Virginia insect control guide
    Roberts, J. E; Robinson, William H.; Weidhass, J. A.; Allen, William A.; Horsburgh, R. L; Semtner, Paul J. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1976-01)
    Insect control guide including those in field crops, on animals, fruit, horticulture and vegetable crops, man and household insects, ornamentals, lawn and turf grass, Christmas trees, and nursery and shade trees.
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    1988-89 Insect pest management for recreation and household areas
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1988-01)
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    1988-89 pest management guide for turfgrass
    Robinson, William H.; Couch, Houston B.; Bingham, Samuel W. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1988-01)
    Control of insects and mite pests of turf grass is best achieved by considering the pests in above-ground and below-ground categories. For the latter, it is essential to get chemicals into the soil; for the former, the grass blades and ground surface should be treated so as to get a minimum of washoff and soil penetration by rain or watering. In general, emulsifiable concentrates provide the greatest residual on grass blades and the least immediate penetration into the soil. Wettable powders provide good residual, but dust and granular formulations move down into the thatch and soil. White grubs (masked chafer, May beetle, Japanese beetle, etc.) digger wasps, and ants are below-ground pests. Sod webwonns, annywonns, and chinch bugs inhabit the thatch near the soil surface, but feed on grass blades. Leaf/zappers, frit flies, billbugs, and mites move and feed on grass blades.
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    Adrenal steroid, blocking agent, and social stress effects on northern fowl mite population development on Leghorn chickens and toxicological evaluation of selected acaricides (Acarina: macronyssidae)
    Hall, Robert Dickinson (Virginia Tech, 1977-07-15)
    Administration of adrenal steroids or blocking agents at optimum doses influenced northern fowl mite development on chickens. Corticosterone at 20 ppm or desoxycorticosterone at 30 ppm in feed were most effective in inhibiting mite infestations. High levels of social stress increased resistance of chickens to mites in a manner similar to but more effective than steroid administration. The mechanism of resistance was a decrease in capillary density at the skin surface. Commercial laying hens caged alone had lower plasma corticosterone levels and supported more mites than hens caged in groups. Stress-induced, steroid initiated, or inbred mite resistance was incompatible with maximum production from chickens. Resistant chickens produced poorer weight gains and testes mass than did susceptible birds. Sex hormones were shown to play a supplementary, and antibody a minor role in mite resistance. Carbaryl was shown to be the compound most toxic to northern fowl mites of those registered in Virginia for application to poultry. Malathien resistance was noted in mites from a commercial poultry house. The synthetic pyrethroid permethrin was effective against these mites.
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    Aspects of chemical control of the old house borer, Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
    Dodson, Bonny Lynn (Virginia Tech, 1987-03-20)
    The formulation of Dursban®, manufactured by Dow Chemical Corp., and its diluting agent were found to influence the penetration abilities of the final spray when it is applied to pine sapwood. The diluent of choice for providing the best penetration of the active ingredient, chlorpyrifos, is an Oil-based carrier for the formulated product Dursban® WT. Dursban® TC, another product containing chlorpyrifos, will penetrate the wood surface better when diluted with water, not with an oil-based carrier such as kerosene. Residual amounts of Dursban® TC applied to pine sapwood will remain relatively constant six months after the initial treatment at depths of 400 - 600 microns below the surface. The wood moisture content (WMC) of treated pine sapwood did not significantly influence the penetration abilities of Dursban® TC at 7.5% - 8.0% and 14.5% - 16.0% WMC. A 1.0% water-diluted formulation of Dursban® TC applied to pine sapwood is predicted to be capable of penetrating the treated wood to a depth of 1320 microns.
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    Aspects of Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) biology in Virginia (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
    Cannon, Kevin Francis (Virginia Tech, 1979-04-09)
    The significant results of this research were: 1) A laboratory colony of H. bajulus was established and information on the N. A. biotype was collected. At this time it is too early to make any significant statements of comparison between European and N. A. biotypes. However, preliminary results indicate that the mean number of eggs per female, and the size and longevity of N. A. adults appear different than European beetles; 2) Outdoor survival studies of the larvae indicate that H. bajulus can live under natural conditions in Virginia's varied climatic regions. Over the course of two years 27 adults have been collected in such field conditions as fence posts, outhouses, screen windows, building exteriors, and free flying in open fields. This information, along with survival studies, strongly suggest the presence of natural populations; 3) The environment in which H bajulus larvae are located greatly affects its chances of survival. Larvae in attics can survive the fluctuating environmental condition, but growth and development are prolonged and potential structural damage minimal. Under these conditions H. bajulus larvae are more likely to undergo natural mortality over several years. In optimum (stable) conditions H. bajulus will increase their feeding and development. Under these conditions infestations that are left unchecked may lead to serious structural damage and reinfestations.
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    Aspects of the biology, behavior, and economic importance of Camponotus pennyslvanicus (Degeer) and Camponotus ferrugineus (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: formicidae)
    Dukes, John (Virginia Tech, 1982-05-12)
    Aspects of the behavior, biology, and economic importance of carpenter ants were examined. The overall objectives of this study were to determine the economic importance of carpenter ants, and to extend the data currently available on two of the most common and economically important species in the U.S. A survey for the economic importance of carpenter ants indicated that carpenter ants are considered a serious pest by homeowners. The results show that 90% of the homeowners who requested control for carpenter ants during 1980, paid more than $25 for carpenter ant control. The presence of detectable damage was not the definitive factor in the decision to request control. Camponotus ferrugineus and C. pennsylvanicus are similar in their colony foundation and biology. C. ferrugineus required 54 days to produce the first brood and there were 18 workers, including one intermediate worker, in the first brood. Queens of C. pennsylvanicus required an average of 46 days to rear the first brood. Ad libitum feeding did not have a significant effect on colony founding in C. pennsylvanicus. Two queens reared their first brood under artificial light. Food preference studies of C. pennsylvanicus and C. ferrugineus indicated that these two species have similar food preferences. Although honey was preferred to most foods tested, it may not supply sufficient nutrients to ensure proper colony nutrition. C. pennsylvanicus has become well adapted to man-made structures. Some foraging ants are present year round. C. pennsylvanicus optimizes its foraging by exploiting indoor and outdoor foraging sites. The division of labor during nest construction may be based on subcaste. Major workers appear to be responsible for most nest-building in mature colonies.
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    Aspects of the morphology of the ovipositor of Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) (Coleoptera: cerambycidae)
    Mares, Joseph Thomas (Virginia Tech, 1984)
    Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) is a serious pest of seasoned softwoods. The female oviposits in the cracks and crevices of the wood, and the larvae can survive and feed in the wood for 2-10 years. The female H. bajulus has an elongated ovipositor comprised of the modified abdominal segments 8 and 9, intersegmental membrane 8/9, and pair of distal gonostyli. When not in use, the ovipositor is retracted within abdominal segment 7. The 8th abdominal segment forms the proximal end of the ovipositor. An internal apodeme attached to the base of the 8th sternite allows for extension and retraction of the ovipositor. The intersegmental membrane 8/9 makes up half the length of the ovipositor. The 9th abdominal segment, along with the gonostyli, comprise the dist3 l part of the ovipositor. The 9th sternum is split along the midline to form a pair of hemisternites. The gonostyli are comprised of basal coxites and apical styli. The gonostyli are the only remnants of the appendicular oviocsitor. Several types of sensory receptors are found on the ovipositor. Segment 8 has both long tactile hairs and short trichoid sensilla. Intersegmental membrane 8/9 has no vi sible sensory receptors. Segment 9 has campaniform receptors and short trichoid sensilla. The gonostyli have several types of sensory receptors including long tactile hairs, medium trichoid ser..silla, short trichoid sensilla, and basiconic receptors. The long tactile hairs and campaniform receptors are innervated by a single dendri te, thus functioning as mechanoreceptors. The medium trichoid are innervated by three dendrites, two of which extend into the lumen of the receptor. The short trichoid sensilla are innervated by five sensory neurons. The basiconic receptors are innervated by 1-3 dendri tes, depending on the type and location of the receptor. All three types of sensilla function as contact chemoreceptors, and may provide information on the suitability of the oviposition substrate.
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    Chemical pest control information for home fruit production
    Robinson, William H.; Chappell, William E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1981-02)
    Growing fruits in the home orchard or garden can be an interesting and satisfying hobby as well as an abundant source of appetizing and nutritious food for the home gardener. Tree fruits as well as small fruits require considerable care. They differ considerably in the amount of care required because of the severity of disease and insect attacks as well as competition from weeds and the length of time from bloom to harvest of the many fruit varieties. As a rule of thumb, the flowers and fruit of most fruit varieties should be protected from diseases and insects by protective sprays from pre-early-blossom time until harvest. Therefore...
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    Chemical pest control information for home fruit production
    Drake, Charles R.; Robinson, William H.; Chappell, William E.; Horsburgh, Robert L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1977-05)
    Growing fruits in the home orchard or garden can be an interesting and satisfying hobby as well as an abundant source of appetizing and nutritious food for the home gardener. Tree fruits as well as small fruits require considerable care. They differ considerably in the amount of care required because of the severity of 'disease and insect attacks as well as competition from weeds and the length of time from bloom to harvest of the many fruit varieties. As a rule of thumb, the flowers and fruit of most fruit varieties must be protected from diseases and insects by protective sprays from pre-early-blossom time until harvest. Therefore...
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    Commercial spray schedule for disease and insect control on grapes
    Drake, Charles R.; Robinson, William H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1978-01)
    KEYS TO PROPER USE OF PESTICIDES 1. Read the label on each pesticide container before each use. Follow instructions to the letter; heed all cautions and warnings, and note precautions about residues. 2. Keep pesticides in the containers in which you bought them. Put them where children or animals cannot get to them, preferably under lock and away from food, feed, seed, or other material that may become harmful if contaminated. 3. Dispose of empty containers in the manner specified on the label. SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS OCCUR DURING OR AFTER USE OF PESTICIDES.
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    Demography, cold hardiness, and nutrient reserves of overwintering nests of the carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus (De Geer) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
    Cannon, Colleen A. (Virginia Tech, 1990-10-09)
    Overwintering nests of C. pennsylvanicus were dissected and censused. All castes were assayed for glycerol and for changes in nutrient reserves. Spring queens were collected at swarming and allowed to initiate nests. Queens were analyzed for nutrient reserves during the early stages of nest founding. Overwintering nests contained large proportions of larvae and alates. Physical associations within the winter nest were evident between majors and alates, and between larvae and the queen; minors were associated with larvae to a lesser degree. Reproductives and larvae were negatively correlated, and worker caste ratios shifted according to whether an area was dominated by larvae or alates. Winter nest temperatures followed ambient temperatures, though fluctuations were less extreme. Glycerol was detectable in all castes and stages. Major and minor workers were similar in nutrient content. Lipid and protein contributed greater than 80% of dry weight, glycogen less than 20%, and free sugars less than 10%. Lipid was progressively depleted through winter. Majors lost most protein and dry weight between November and January, minors between February and April. Glycogen changes emulated mean ambient temperature patterns. Overwintering gynes possessed large reserves of lipid, up to approximately 62% in mid-winter. Glycogen levels rose and fell with mean ambient temperatures. Most nutrient reserves in founding queens were depleted from the head/thorax region between swarming and first larval emergence; between larval emergence and first worker eclosion, significant losses occurred only in the gaster. Protein alone increased significantly in the gaster prior to larval emergence, after which it was depleted.
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    The effect of eight tensides on the toxicity of diazinon topically applied to the male German cockroach
    Candler, William H Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1976-09-08)
    The effect of 8 tensides on the toxicity of diazinon were investigated by means of topical dose applications to male adult German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.). Other diazinon formulations were evaluated for comparison. These were Diazinon 4E, Diazinon 4E plus Igepal CO-630, Oiazinon 4E plus Multi-Film X-77, diazinon in OMSO, diazinon in Stoddard's Solvent, and diazinon in Stoddard's Solvent plus piperonyl butoxide. Five of the tensides formed emulsions that were similar in toxicity to diazinon in Stoddard's Solvent. These were, in order of decreasing L050 's, Bio Film, Tween 80, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HAB), Multi-Film X-77, and Triton X-100. All of the tenside emulsions were more effective than Oiazinon 4E. Emulsions formed with Triton X-100 and Multi-Film X-77 had L050 's significantly lower than the Oiazinon 4E formulation. The two tensides added to Oiazinon 4E seemed to decrease effectiveness. OMSO and piperonyl butoxide were the two most effective additives to diazinon. Both were synergistic with respect to diazinon in Stoddard's Solvent. The results from this investigation indicate that several of the tested formulations may prove effective in cockroach control. Additional studies of these preparations under practical conditions need to be made.
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    Effects of an insecticide on German cockroach behavior
    Bret, Brian Louis (Virginia Tech, 1985-05-03)
    A quantitative and qualitative study of the behavioral effects of an insecticide on various life stages of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), was conducted. Comparisons between a susceptible laboratory strain (VPI) and a resistant field strain (BP) were made to examine the relationship between physiological resistance and behavioral resistance. The effects of vapors from a formulation of 1% propoxur in oil were compared with vapors from a mineral oil control. Vapors from the control had little effect on cockroach behavior. Adult males, adult females, and middle instars were repelled from aquaria containing the insecticide vapors. Early instars sought shelter in the pores of water sponges. No differences in behavior due to reproductive state were observed as females with oothecae and females without oothecae were equally repelled. Responses by adult males included increased movement, antennal grooming, and tarsal grooming. Electroantennogram studies showed that the vapors of the propoxur formulation were detected by the antennae. Adults of the susceptible VPI strain responded more strongly to the insecticide vapors, relative to the controls, than did adults of the resistant BP strain. The negative correlation between physiological resistance and behavioral responses was not due to the development of behavioral resistance. Rather the resistance mechanism of the BP strain was probably responsible for inhibiting the behavioral response of that strain. Responses to the propoxur insecticide may have been compounded by solvents in the formulation, but differences between the two strains were probably due to the propoxur. The oil base had no effect on cockroach behavior. That wet sponges provided safe harborage for the early instars indicates the importance of even short range dispersal. Also, the use of repellent barriers to exclude cockroaches from sensitive areas may become less effective if physiological resistance in cockroach populations is accompanied by decreased avoidance responses. Knowledge of the levels of physiological resistance must be supplemented by an understanding of the behavioral characteristics of insect populations for the successful development of pest control programs.
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    Industrial, institutional, structural, and health related pest control. Category 7a, General pest control : a training program for the certification of pesticide applicators
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1979)
    This training manual is intended to provide information that you may need to comply with EPA's Standards for Certification. It will help you prepare for the Certification examination prepared and administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The emphasis of these standards and this training is on the principles of applying pesticides safely for man and the environment. It is hot intended to provide you with all the knowledge needed. Additional information in the form of publications, short courses, field days, and professional meetings can be obtained from the local Cooperative Extension Service office in your area.
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    Industrial, institutional, structural, and health related pest control. Category 7b, Wood-infesting organisms
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1980-06)
    This training manual is intended to provide information that you may need to comply with EPA's Standards for Certification. It will help you prepare for the Certification examination prepared and administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The emphasis of these standards and this training is on the principles of applying pesticides safely for man and the environment. It is not intended to provide you with all the knowledge needed. Additional information in the form of publications, short courses, field days, and professional meetings can be obtained from the local Cooperative Extension Service office in your area.
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    Industrial, institutional, structural, and health related pest control. Category 7c, Food processing : a training program for the certification of pesticide applicators
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1979)
    This training is intended to provide information that you may need to comply with EPA's Standards for Certification. It will help you prepare for the Certification examination prepared and administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The emphasis of these standards and this training is on the principles of applying pesticides safely for man and the environment. It is not intended to provide you with all the knowledge needed. Additional information in the form of publications, short courses, field days, and professional meetings can be obtained from the local Cooperative Extension Service Office in your area.
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    Industrial, institutional, structural, and health related pest control. Category 7d, Fumigation
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1979)
    This training manual is intended to provide information that you may need to comply with EPA's Standards for Certification. It will help you prepare for the Certification examination prepared and administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The emphasis of these standards and this training is on the principles of applying pesticides safely for man and the environment. It is not intended to provide you with all the knowledge needed. Additional information in the form of publications, short courses, field days, and professional meetings can be obtained from the local Cooperative Extension Service office in your area.
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    Insect Notes, No. 129, June 6, 1984
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1984-06-06)
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    Insect Notes, No. 132, September 7, 1984
    Robinson, William H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1984-09-07)
    FLIES COMMONLY FOUND INDOORS At times, people tend to accept indoor flies as an inevitable fact of life. It is natural to become somewhat frustrated by the flies that occur in the environments we live and work in -- they show up again and again, and seem to pop up out of nowhere, everywhere! The problem can be all the more perplexing in the fall months, a time when insects are not "supposed" to be active. Not only can flies be annoying and disturbing indoors, but some are significant to public health and hygiene as potential transmitters of disease organisms.