Control of Colorado Potato Beetle in Direct Seeded Tomatoes with Systemic Insecticides, 1980

Abstract

Abstract Campbell 28 and UC - 134 tomatoes were direct seeded in alternating rows witft a Planet Jr. UC - 134 tomatoes were planted on May 19 and Campbell 28 tomatoes were planted on May 23. The UC - 134 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 45 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 tomato plants spaced 12 inches apart. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The 10 inch band treatments were applied pre-plant using an electric drive Gandy (Model 901-2) applicator. They were incorporated into the top 2-3 inches of soil with roiling cultivators. Soil temp at the 4 inch depth at the time of treatment was 78° F. The treatment rows were seeded with Campbell 28 tomatoes the same day (May 23) that insecticides were applied to the soil. 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 6 different harvest dates were combined and reported in tons/acre. Plots were irrigated when moisture was below normal.