732 Invasive Stink Bugs and Related Species (Pentatomoidea)
In 1200 B.C., botanical insecticides (particular plant species not given) were used by the Chinese for
seed treatments and as fungicides. The Chinese also used mercury and arsenical compounds for con-
trol of body lice (Flint and van den Bosch 1981, Dent 2000). Homer, whether or not the individual
actually existed (McCoy 2015), is the source of multiple pest control strategies, including the use of
sulfur for pest control in 1000 B.C. (Hajek 2004) and wood ash in 750 B.C. (Stent 2006) (note the wide
gap between years). In 324 B.C., the Chinese documented biological control when they placed ants
[Oecophylla smaragdina ( Fabr icius)]^3 in citrus trees to manage caterpillars and large boring insects
(Hardy et al. 1996, Pedigo and Rice 2015). In 300 B.C., the Chinese recognized the connection between
climate and periodic biological phenomena, which led to timing of planting (phenology) to avoid pest
attacks (Pedigo and Rice 2015). In the First Century (0–99 A.D.), the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder
recommended arsenic as an insecticide (Rathore 2010). In 300 A.D., the Chinese recorded using bio-
logical control in citrus orchards to control caterpillar and beetle pests by setting up colonies of ants
(O. smaragdina)^4 with bamboo bridges so that the ants could move between trees (Dent 2000, Pedigo
and Rice 2015). In 400 A.D., a Chinese alchemist, Ko Hung, recommended treating the roots of rice
(Oryza sativa L.) with white arsenic during transplanting to protect against insect pests (Flint and van
den Bosch 1981).
Two compilations were published in the Post-classical Era (see below) but contained information on
pest control and agricultural practices from the Ancient History Period. First, a 20-volume publication
of agricultural literature called “Geoponika” was compiled in the 10th Century (and included a 6th
Century publication of the same name by Cassianus Bassus) (Dalby 2011). It documented pest manage-
ment practices from many cultures, including the Greeks and Romans. Originally written in Greek, it
was translated into English by Owen in 1805 and 1806 and retranslated by Dalby in 2011.
In the 12th Century A.D., Ibn Al-Awam, a Spanish Moor, authored a classic book in Arabic on agri-
culture, “Kitab al-Felahah” (“Book of Agriculture”), which contained much information on pest man-
agement and agriculture, including techniques recorded from earlier civilizations and those tested by
Al-Awam, himself (Olson and Eddy 1943, Orlob 1973).
16.2.1.3 Post-Classical Era
The Post-classical Era was comprised of several hundred years, including the “Dark Ages.” During that
time, advances in pest management occurred at different rates between the Eastern and Western Worlds.
In the East, the Chinese first used arsenic to control garden insects in 900 A.D. (Singh 2012) and soap to
control pests by 1101 A.D. (Jaglan and Singh 2007, Pedigo and Rice 2015). They continued to develop
pest control strategies for the next several hundred years (Flint and van den Bosch 1981). However, in
the Western World, there was little advancement in pest control, particularly after the fall of the Roman
Empire (Flint and van den Bosch 1981). During that time, insect management strategies often were based
on superstition, excommunication, and odd legal battles (Dethier 1976, Flint and van den Bosch 1981).
For example, in 1476 A.D., cutworms in Berne, Switzerland were taken to court, found guilty, excom-
municated by the Archbishop, and banished (Dethier 1976, Flint and van den Bosch 1981, Dent 2000).
In 1485, caterpillars were ordered by the High Vicar of Valence to appear before him. He provided them
with a defense council and, then, condemned them to leave the area (Dent 2000). During that time, legal
action against insects was so common that a treatise was written on the rules by which grasshoppers
could be tried in court (Dethier 1976).
16.2.1.4 Modern History
During the next 150–300 years, there apparently was little progress made in insect control although much
progress was made in insect taxonomy and biological discoveries (1650–1780) (Orlob 1973). However,
there were notable exceptions. The botanicals nicotine, pyrethrum, and rotenone were introduced into
(^3) Listed as Acephali amaragina but most likely in error, some kind of misspelling of Oecophylla smaragdina (Ted R.
Schultz, personal communication).
(^4) Undoubtedly, a correct identification (Ted R. Schultz, personal communication).