Summary
In 1951 and 1952, tests were conducted near Ithaca, New York, on the effect of insecticidal applications on the amount and pattern of spread of potato leafroll virus from known sources of inoculum. Systox was very effective in reducing disease incidence, parathion reduced virus spread almost as well, and DDT appeared most helpful where the amount of virus spread was relatively light but actually detrimental where spread was heavy.
Most of the spread occurred on rows immediately adjoining rows on which the inoculum sources was prevalent. This steep gradient of infection indicated that wingless aphids apparently were responsible for most of the spread. In rows farther from the inoculum the percentage of disease was much lower and it was less easy to demonstrate control.
Since Systox has not been authorized for use on food plants it can not be recommended at the present time. It is recommended that potato seed growers in New York use parathion at frequent intervals throughout the season and continue until the vines are killed.
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Fernow, K.H., Kerr, S.H. Leafroll control by use of insecticides. American Potato Journal 30, 187–196 (1953). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02859979
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02859979