Objectives and Scope J. L. ST. JOHN Agricultural Experiment Stations, State College of Washington, Pullman, Wash.
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Further information is needed on the fundamental chemistry, mechanism of action, and toxicity of the newer economic poisons. An outline is presented of a research program that emphasizes the breadth and scope of the problem and the variety of research and educational needs.
D u r i n g the organization of these symposia much interest i n the field of agricultural control chemicals was evident. I t is difficult adequately to express appreciation to those who have so generously responded with both suggestions and papers. A broad field of topics was included i n the suggestions received. I t became evident i n attempting to organize the suggested topics into a program of titles that it would be imperative to limit the field to be covered. The symposia were thus confined to certain phases of the field of insecticides. M a n y other topics i n addition to those covered by the titles i n these symposia were proposed, and may form the basis for future symposia. Other suggestions included the broad and important topic of formulation, which may many times have an important relation to the effectiveness of the economic poison for the purpose for which it is designed, may be modified to prepare a given pesticide for different uses, and may also influence its toxicity to warm-blooded animals. A report of work on methods of application and their relation to effectiveness was suggested, including much work on the use of concentrated sprays. The fundamental chemistry, especially of the newer economic poisons, is of primary importance. T h e mechanism of action of the various types of economic poisons and the relation of structure to toxicity of insects are of fundamental interest. Chemical versus biological methods of evaluation should be presented. Performance methods of evaluation of these chemicals have been given careful consideration by several workers. E m phasis was placed by several workers on the need for much additional information on various aspects of the problem regarding the use of D D T , 2,4-D, and other pesticides. There is direct importance i n studies on the metabolism of D D T . The toxicity and the physiological action of insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and herbicides on plants are of basic importance. The toxicity of treated plants to animals, and the toxicity of treated plants and animals to humans and to wildlife are of practical concern. A long-range consideration of the effect of sprays on both plant and human nutrition and its relation to public health is of direct concern. The hazards i n field application and methods of protecting operators should be reported i n detail and further research should be emphasized. The relative toxicity, especially of the newer compounds, to various pests and species is of practical importance, as are also differences i n species tolerance to D D T and other sprays. This is also of direct concern i n relation to parasites and predators. There is interest i n synergistic action and the effect of spreaders, stickers, and related products. The effect and use of repellents and attractants have received attention. The spray residue problem has been emphasized for 30 years. I t should receive continued intensive attention from a variety of viewpoints, including its importance i n both 1
AGRICULTURAL CONTROL CHEMICALS Advances in Chemistry; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1950.
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fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. The possibility of soil contamination, which was earlier emphasized with the lead arsenate sprays, should also be explored i n evaluat ing new sprays. Information already accumulated regarding this problem should be pre sented i n the immediate future. It has been stated that 4 0 % of the economic poisons are used i n the F a r West. I t , therefore, seemed fitting that an extensive Symposium on Economic Poisons should be organized for the western meeting (San Francisco, M a r c h - A p r i l 1949) of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. This was followed by the Atlantic C i t y symposium, September 1949. A symposium on fungicides will be presented at the Philadelphia meeting i n A p r i l 1950, and another on oil sprays at the September 1950 meeting of the Society. Stanley B . Freeborn of the University of California, i n the September 1948 issue of Agricultural Chemicals, has forcefully discussed research needs from the standpoint of the experiment stations, and pleads for an intensive attack on pesticidal problems through an organized fundamental type of research. Such an attack needs continued expansion to all research i n the broad field of economic poisons as well as i n agriculture. The National Research Council has recognized the importance of the food protection problem and the need for an organization to provide technical counsel on the utilization of new materials i n the production and processing of foods. The desirability of cooperative action b y industry, government, and other research organizations i n providing the scien tific guidance required for the protection of the food supply has been emphasized. The field of these very important chemicals covers a very broad scope. A n organized consideration of all phases of the problem is needed i n developing a research program. F r o m this the most critical research needs should be selected and emphasized. T h e fol lowing outline presents one type of an organized picture of the breadth and scope of the problem, and the variety of research and educational needs. Chemistry plays a major role i n this work.
Research Program on Economic Poisons I.
Safety and Hazards 1. Toxicology and Pharmacology A. A more detailed outline appears in Food and Drug Quarterly, September 1949, including chemical and biochemical studies and acute, chronic, and allergic toxicity 2. Medical and Public Health A. Symptoms and diagnosis, acute and chronic B. Antidotes C. Methods of treatment 3. Use and Application A. Precautions and safety measures B. Formulation C. Dusting (1) Machine (2) Airplane D . Bait exposure stations for mammal poison E. Secondary poisoning hazards 4. Consumption, Foods and Feeds A. Spray residue (1) Spray load at harvest (2) Removal methods (a) Fresh fruits and vegetables (b) Processed foods (3) Relation of effectiveness and limitation of application to residue load (4) Keeping quality and flavor (5) Processing breakdown (6) Effect on nutritive values of human and animal food 5. Soils and Plants A. Soil toxicity B. Plant toxicity and nutrition (A and Β include immediate and delayed injury) 6. Manufacturing, Safety and Precautions 7. Chemistry and Analytical Methods A. Fundamental
AGRICULTURAL CONTROL CHEMICALS Advances in Chemistry; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1950.
ST. JOHN—OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE
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B. Methods of analysis for trace amounts in food and toxicological material Education A. Public press B. Distributors C. Research men, extension, county agents D . User, professional and general E . Physicians F. Manufacturer and field representatives Effectiveness and Efficiency of Pest Control 1. Entomological, Rodenticidal, Fungicidal, Herbicidal A. Effectiveness of newer pesticides for different pests under different climatic conditions in different areas B. Efficiency of spray application C. Limitations in use, effectiveness, safety D . Species and developed resistance E . Ecological relationships 2. Chemical A. Formulation and compatibility B. Coverage C. Mode of action Engineering 1. Design of Equipment for Efficient and Safe Application A. Ground equipment (1) Stationary and portable (2) Pumps, spray nozzles, pipe lines, pressures B. Airplane equipment 2. Development of Methods of Application 3. Decontamination 8.
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II.
III.
This is a very broad and extensive program that should be of both direct scientific and practical value to manufacturers, food processors and the food industry, food consumers and general public, and governmental and industrial research. It should emphasize the value and real benefit to mankind of the use of the newer economic poisons in pest control, even though their improper use may in some cases be somewhat hazardous, necessitating regulation and adequate precautions. Undue emphasis m a y have been given to certain hazards in the use of pest control chemicals and insufficient emphasis to the value and benefits resulting from their use. Further public emphasis should be placed on the important role which these chemicals have played in safeguarding the health of man and animals, and on the important contribution which they have made i n reducing tremendous economic losses due to pests of various kinds. Attention is directed to the papers in this volume which do place emphasis on the value and benefit to m a n k i n d . M o r e rapid, effective, and sound progress will be made i n the introduction of new economic poisons if we proceed cautiously. T o o hasty release of such products may boomerang and delay the progress of pest control for many years, with an adverse effect on the various groups involved. T h e inauguration and establishment of a research foundation to make possible a more comprehensive and organized study of the multiplicity of problems involved i n this rapidly expanding field is needed. Such a research foundation would act as a coordinating agency and as an organizational clearinghouse for all research in this field, and thus markedly promote efficiency and maximum productiveness of time and funds. Such a foundation would (1) collect, organize, and interpret information through n u merous subcommittees ; (2) determine the most critical needs in a research program and point out where priorities should be placed ; (3) arrange a subsidy program to promote research in the critical areas ; and (4) encourage educational programs through special committees. Other essential parts of the program as it is progressively developed may be implemented as rapidly as facilities and funds permit.
Subdivision on Economic Poisons Interest in economic poisons has resulted in the formation of a new subdivision within the Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY.
AGRICULTURAL CONTROL CHEMICALS Advances in Chemistry; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1950.
Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on May 12, 2018 | https://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: January 1, 1950 | doi: 10.1021/ba-1950-0001.ch001
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This was authorized at the Atlantic C i t y meeting (September 1949) of the Society, and organization of the subdivision has subsequently been effected. T h e purpose of the subdivision as outlined by the committee is to promote interest, research, and publications on the chemistry of pest control materials, and to provide a means for the exchange of information and ideas i n this field. The interests of this group can be defined broadly to include aiï phases of the chemistry of pest control materials. This encompasses chemical work on substances used to control, mitigate, or destroy pests of all kinds, such as insecticides, insect attractants and repellents, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, rodenticides, and substances for related uses. Work dealing mainly with the application of these materials and their biological properties properly belongs in the fields of entomologists, plant pathologists, plant physiologists, bacteriologists, agronomists, rodent control specialists, etc., and are not of p r i mary interest to the new subdivision. The group will furnish a forum for research workers i n chemistry and other scientific fields to discuss problems of mutual interest, and develop a better concept of the many problems involved through the exchange of information and viewpoints. There has been much discussion regarding the name which should be used to identify the new subdivision and the field of work covered. A referendum is now i n progress to assist i n the selection of a suitable name which is both inclusive and exclusive. Because a decision will not be made until the fall (1950) meeting of the Society, the use of the name "Economic Poisons" is being continued for the subdivision, at least until that time. Thanks and appreciation are expressed to the many individuals and groups whose generous cooperation and help have made possible the organization of both the symposia and the new subdivision of the Society. The subdivision on economic poisons appreciates the privilege of presenting the p a pers included i n the San Francisco and the Atlantic C i t y symposia as the first number of the new A M E R I C A N C H E M I C A L SOCIETY A D V A N C E S IN CHEMISTRY SERIES.
AGRICULTURAL CONTROL CHEMICALS Advances in Chemistry; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1950.
