Control of Insect Pests on Broccoli in Southern Texas: A Comparison Between Synthetic Organic Insecticides and Biorational Treatments

Abstract

Biorational and synthetic organic insecticide application regimes were evaluated for management of key pests of broccoli in southern Texas. Broccoli plants were grown in small replicated plots and pests were managed either under a regime of synthetic organic insecticides or biorational techniques (Bacillus thuringiensis and/or fatty acid soap applications and inundative releases of Chrysoperla carnea). Effectiveness of treatments was evaluated by comparing insect populations and number of broccoli heads harvested from plots. The biorational and synthetic organic insecticides were equally effective in controlling lepidopterous pests but the biorational regime required a greater number of applications for effective control. Neither inundative releases of C. chrysoperla eggs and larvae nor applications of a fatty acid soap were effective in reducing aphid populations. Applications of synthetic organic insecticides were effective when applied solely for aphid control or as a control for lepidopterous larvae.