Control of Colorado Potato Beetle in Direct Seeded Tomatoes with Systemic Insecticides, 1979

Abstract

Abstract Chico III and Campbell 28 tomatoes were direct seeded in alternating rows with a Planet Jr. Chico III tomatoes were planted on May 29 and Campbell 28 tomatoes were planted on Jun 13. The Chico III tomatoes served as buffer rows and were planted early so as to encourage an infestation of Colorado potato beetle. Plots consisted of a single row of tomatoes 25-ft long, buffered on each side by a guard row. Distance between rows was 6 ft. When plants were 2-3 inches tall they were thinned so as to provide clumps of 3 tomatoes plants spaced 12-inches apart. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The 4 and 12 inch band treatments were applied pre-plant using an electric drive Gandy (Model 901-2) applicator. They were incorporated into the top 3-5 inches of soil. The 24 inch band treatments were applied with a small push type Gandy applicator and were also incorporated into the top 3-5 inches of soil. A single spout electric drive Gandy applicator was used to apply the furrow treatments. An adjustable furrow opener was attached to the front of the planter, thereby, allowing the insecticide to be applied In a furrow 2 inches below the seed at planting time. Soil temp at the 4 inch depth at the time of treatment was 60 ° F. The treatment rows were seeded with Campbell 28 tomatoes the same day (Jun 13) that insecticides were applied. Soil was classified as a Norfolk “A” loamy sand. When plants were 6-8 inches tall, 10 plants were selected at random in each plot and rated visually to the nearest 10% defoliation. Yield data were taken from a 10 ft section in the center of each plot. Yield data from 3 different harvest dates were combined and reported in tons/acre. Plots were irrigated when moisture was below normal.