A method for comprehensive viral and bacterial disinfection of imported Curculionidae

Abstract

A relatively new disinfectant with good virucidal properties, Virkon®, may be used as a surface sterilant on Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis as a precaution against accidental introduction into New Zealand of foot and mouth disease, anthrax and other diseases. While the material is reported to have exceptional disinfectant properties, it apparently had no adverse effect on Sitona discoideus or L. bonariensis. Similarly it did not seem to have a negative effect on the larval development of adult Microctonus aethiopoides within S. discoideus.

Keywords>:

• insects
• disinfection
• foot and mouth disease
• anthrax
• Virkona®