Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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VOL. LXII - NO. 92 University of South Carolina, Columbia, S. C. 29208 Thursday, July 7, 1972 IA 1. 1 'I + f, r" -i - -A- - - 1 F f" L -I 'L:' Miller I. A1' Main tena 'only whet By NICK PARHAM In 1962, Rachel Carson published SILENT SPRING, an inditement of our pesticide policies. Though the issue has fallen from public prominence, the debate continues among experts: is the human race unwittingly killing itself through the umproper use of pesticides? Major developments have resulted from the debate, not the least of which was the government's ban on DDT useage. Natural controls using weather, birds, insects and natural preditors have been experimented with as an alternative to pesticide use. The man in charge of USC's pesticide program seems to have a moderate stand on pesticides. Neil Miller, a Clemson graduate with a B. S. in Horticulture, thinks that, "you have to have controls one way or another" but strongly asserts that "DDT will never be used while I am here." Miller's methods of control lean toward the use of systemics. Instead of external spraying, systemics are taken up through the plant's roots and are only harmful to leaf-eating insects. Miller forsees the day when "we'll go all the way to systemics (on campus)." While systemics were developed to kill only leaf-eating insects, they also find their way into the systems of animals which eat the dead insects. Miller does not know the number of insects needed to rice sprays i necessary' harm an animal but assured this reporter ii would take a great deal. The main chemicals used on USC's campus are malathion, sevin, cygon, and disyston with the latter in heaviest use. Many pesticides would be relatively harmless if not for the frequent over-doses and un-necessary spraying which occurs. For example, DDT was frequently sprayed in such haphazard ways that it was carried to other areas by rainwater runoff. It gradually built up into dangerous concentrations in both the area in which it was sprayed and in the area into which it was carried. According to Miller, the maintenence department sprays "only when we have a reason to spray." He emphasized that he 'personally'' measures out all pesticides and only "very reliable" workers are allowed to spray. Clemson University is accepted as the siate's authority on pest control and USC has traditionally relied on this authority for advice. This dependence obviously has :Is pit falls as well as its advantages. Exemplifing the hazards, John Dean of The biology department pointed out that the chemical used on fire ants - Mirex - is widely considered a "disaster" en vironmentally. But the state Department of Agriculture and Clemson both continue io promote the chemical's use. On the other hand, Dean states that the horticulturist has no course other than to "rely on the professionals". An interesting experiment in natural pest control is underway at the University of Southern Florida. The grounds department there has placed 1,000 praying mantis eggs around the campus. The mantis is exclusively carnivorous and hopefully should help strike a balance between insects and pests. Results of the experiment will not be known for several years. Miller remains somewhat sceptical of narural pest controls. He maintains that ''1o date there are no real natural ways of control.'' He prefers to follow his method of limited and controlled spraying. When asked about the future, he agreed hat, ''we probably will have some natural ways of destroying insects.'' The debate surrounding pesticide use continues with years of research necessary before any final conclusions can be made. Though natural controls are being introduced, there is no doubt that chamical pesticides will be with us for a long time to come. In striking a balance beiween the two extremes, USC's methods of moderate use only when necessary seem,s to be a safe stand for the present.