A Southwide Test of Bifenthrin (Capture®) for Cone and Seed Insect Control in Seed Orchards

Abstract

Abstract In 1991, a Southwide study to evaluate the efficacy of bifenthrin (Capture®) for cone and seed insect control was established in six loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and three slash pine (P. elliottii Engelm.) seed orchards. A control (no treatment), Capture® (bifenthrin), and Guthion® (azinphosmethyl) treatments were established in each seed orchard. Five aerial sprays were used to apply the insecticides during the growing season. At each spray Guthion® was applied at 3 lb ai/ac. Capture® was applied at 0.2 lb ai/ac for the first spray and 0.1 lb ai/ac for the other four sprays. Under the conditions of this study, Capture® was as effective in controlling cone and seed insects as the standard operational Guthion® treatment. Insecticide treatment resulted in a 42% and 17% increase in the number of sound seeds produced per conelet for loblolly and slash pine, respectively. Local need registration (24C) exists in several states, and seed orchard managers can currently use Capture® in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee. Seed orchard managers in other southern states need to determine if a 24C label is available in their state prior to useage. South. J. Appl. For. 18(1):72-75.