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<pre>--- In OliveOil@yahoogroups.com, andrew.petherbridge@h... wrote:
>
>
> Hi Andrew,
>
> Chalk - this is a really interesting idea to deal with ants.
>
> Chinese ant chalk? If you haven't done so - suggest it might be worth
> confirming what is in this chalk before you use too much of it?
>
> There is a Chinese ant chalk around that contains neurotoxins.
>
> Is this China chalk just your normal 'teachers' chalk?
>
> This link below might be relevant:
>
>
> (see http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/archives...1998/chalk.htm).
>
>
> Cheers
>
>
> Andrew
>
>
> (Olive grove in Mt Compass, South Australia)

I just had a look, it is VERY interesting, to say the least. I'd be
very, very, very wary of using this stuff on any fruit trees.
Although, if someone has some, they could always get an analysis done
and try to register it. Might be highly expensive tho'.

The following quote from that site Andrew mentioned is appropriate ...
----------------- quote ----------------------------------------
For instance, three samples of a product labeled "Miraculous
Insecticide Chalk" were analyzed by DPR last month. Two contained the
insecticide deltamethrin; the third contained the insecticide
cypermethrin.

Deltamethrin and cypermethrin are synthetic pyrethroids, a class of
insecticides that act on the nervous system. Overexposure to them can
produce serious health effects, including vomiting, stomach pains,
convulsions, tremors, coma, and death due to respiratory failure.
Serious allergic reactions are also possible.

In addition, analyses of colorful boxes typically used for these
products has found high levels of lead and other heavy metals in the
packaging. This can be a problem if children place a box in their
mouths or handle the boxes and transfer the metal residue to their
mouths.
---------------------- quote --------------------------------------
Not sure of deltamethrin or cypermethrin are registered for uso on
olives (or anything else, for that matter).

Cheers
John Attwood
Tamworth NSW Au
</pre>
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