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Carl E. Crisp
results comparable to those of an actual aerial application. Simulated single-tree
tests can provide unique information before expensive field tests are held.
7.6.4. Field Testing
A field test is an evaluation of a candidate insecticide under actual field
conditions (Hard, 1979). Aircraft are used in larger field tests. In small field
tests, several doses or formulations can be evaluated to define what is optimum
for a larger field experiment. Two or more independent field tests of a formulation
are desirable to establish consistent statistically significant results.
A field test is conducted to obtain efficacy data for the resource manager
and should be conducted if any of the following criteria are evident, according
to the National Academy of Sciences (1975c):
• The insecticide is toxic or persistent.
• Potential harmful effects are indicated from initial laboratory toxicology,
e.g., bioaccumulation.
• Anticipated popUlation risk is suggested by preliminary laboratory data,
e.g., pyrethroid toxicity to fish.
• Anticipated social benefit from the insecticide is suggested, e.g., to save
a forest from massive defoliation during an outbreak of a defoliator.
Field tests are of two kinds-safety tests for nontarget animals and efficacy
tests for target organisms (Hard, 1979; Lyon, 1976; Lyon and Camp, 1972;
Markin and Shea, 1978; Shea 1977, 1979). Safety tests are conducted to determine toxic effects of insecticides on fish, birds, other wildlife, and nontarget
aquatic and terrestrial insects. The insecticides are applied at two to four times
the dosage levels expected to be used under operational conditions. Safety margins for wildlife can be established, and unforeseen risks associated with larger
operations can be delineated. Plot size is a minimum of 160 acres. Insecticide
residue analysis may be conducted as part of these tests (Roberts, 1978; Pieper
and Miskus, 1967; Richmond et al., 1979.)
Field experiments are directed against target insects and are tests of efficacy
(Lyon and Camp, 1972; Markin and Shea, 1978). Aerial applications are used
to determine spray techniques (Wernz and Markin, 1977), minimum effective
dosage, and formulation and spray timing (Blais, 1979). Efficacy is measured
in terms of target insect mortality and survival, foliage protection, and amount
of subsequent tree damage.
Selection of candidate insecticides from the list of those tested at the laboratory level and on individual trees during supportive tests are based on the
following criteria (Lyon, 1974):
• High toxicity to the target insect.
• Potential high environmental safety.
Carl E. Crisp
results comparable to those of an actual aerial application. Simulated single-tree
tests can provide unique information before expensive field tests are held.
7.6.4. Field Testing
A field test is an evaluation of a candidate insecticide under actual field
conditions (Hard, 1979). Aircraft are used in larger field tests. In small field
tests, several doses or formulations can be evaluated to define what is optimum
for a larger field experiment. Two or more independent field tests of a formulation
are desirable to establish consistent statistically significant results.
A field test is conducted to obtain efficacy data for the resource manager
and should be conducted if any of the following criteria are evident, according
to the National Academy of Sciences (1975c):
• The insecticide is toxic or persistent.
• Potential harmful effects are indicated from initial laboratory toxicology,
e.g., bioaccumulation.
• Anticipated popUlation risk is suggested by preliminary laboratory data,
e.g., pyrethroid toxicity to fish.
• Anticipated social benefit from the insecticide is suggested, e.g., to save
a forest from massive defoliation during an outbreak of a defoliator.
Field tests are of two kinds-safety tests for nontarget animals and efficacy
tests for target organisms (Hard, 1979; Lyon, 1976; Lyon and Camp, 1972;
Markin and Shea, 1978; Shea 1977, 1979). Safety tests are conducted to determine toxic effects of insecticides on fish, birds, other wildlife, and nontarget
aquatic and terrestrial insects. The insecticides are applied at two to four times
the dosage levels expected to be used under operational conditions. Safety margins for wildlife can be established, and unforeseen risks associated with larger
operations can be delineated. Plot size is a minimum of 160 acres. Insecticide
residue analysis may be conducted as part of these tests (Roberts, 1978; Pieper
and Miskus, 1967; Richmond et al., 1979.)
Field experiments are directed against target insects and are tests of efficacy
(Lyon and Camp, 1972; Markin and Shea, 1978). Aerial applications are used
to determine spray techniques (Wernz and Markin, 1977), minimum effective
dosage, and formulation and spray timing (Blais, 1979). Efficacy is measured
in terms of target insect mortality and survival, foliage protection, and amount
of subsequent tree damage.
Selection of candidate insecticides from the list of those tested at the laboratory level and on individual trees during supportive tests are based on the
following criteria (Lyon, 1974):
• High toxicity to the target insect.
• Potential high environmental safety.