Standard protocol for screening conventional insecticides at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana for mired control

Mirids, (Sachlbergella singularis Hagl, and Distantiella theobroma (Dist), are the most important insect pests of cocoa in West Africa and their current control relies primarily on conventional insecticides. Insecticides have, for over six decades, had very beneficial effects on cocoa cultivation in Ghana. The success of mired control operation depends on, among others, the type of insecticide, the equipment used to apply them and timing. Consumers worldwide detest pesticide contaminated food products. The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), therefore, routinely screens all insecticides submitted by manufacturers for mired control with all the aim of identifying environmentally friendlier compounds and to address consumer concerns about pesticide residues. This paper reports on the five stages that an insecticide passes through before it is recommended for use on cocoa in Ghana. The stages include a laboratory screening, a cage spray test, a small-scale, researches- managed field trial, a large-scale, researcher and farmer-managed field trial, as well as a trial for taint test and residue analysis. We hope the presentation will go a long way to allay the fears of consumers and environmentalists on the safety of chemical control of cocoa mirids in Ghana. Journal of the Ghana Science Association Vol. 9 (2) 2007: pp. 117-121