Cabbage Looper Control on Cauliflower, 1978

Abstract

Abstract This trial was located at the University of Arizona, Mesa Branch Station where the soil type is Laveen Clay loam. Snowball X variety of cauliflower was planted Aug 24, using a Stanhay precision planter which planted 2 seed rows per 40 inch bed, spacing the seeds approximately 2 inches apart. Seeding was in a dry seed bed and the planting was furrow irrigated, keeping the beds damp until germination occurred. Plants were hand thinned to 24 inch spacing on Sep 21. Plots were 3 (40 inch) beds wide, 10 ft × 25 ft long and replicated 4 times using a randomized complete block design. Insecticide applications were with a CO2 back-pack sprayer utilizing a light weight spray boom, fitted with hollow cone nozzles. When the plants were small a single nozzle per plant row was used. As the plants became larger, two hollow cone nozzles were used/plant row. The sprayer was operated at 55 psi, applying 35 gallons of spray mixture/acre. Insect counts were made at approximately weekly intervals from the middle bed of each plot, 10 plants being examined for the presence of cabbage looper eggs and larvae. Yield data was obtained from the middle bed of each plot. Heads were cut, weighed and graded according to #6, #9 and #12's. These numbers refer to the number of heads that are packed into a commercial shipping carton.