Control of Pests on Tomatoes, Summer, 1993

Abstract

Abstract Seven week old tomato plants were transplanted into a Bernow series sandy loam soil covered with black plastic mulch on 13 May at the West Watkins AREC, Lane, OK. Plots measuring one row wide by 2.7 m long were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Rows were spaced 1.8 m apart and plants were spaced 46 cm apart. Plots were separated by a 1.8 m spray buffer within rows to minimize spray drift. Plants were grown using a trellising system and irrigated with surface level trickle irrigation. Soil fertility was adjusted according to OSU Extension recommendations based on an initial soil sample. All treatments were applied using a CO2-powered backpack sprayer calibrated on 3 May at 205 liters per acre. The spray boom was equipped with two TX-26 (hollow cone) nozzles spaced 46 cm apart. Both sides of each plot were sprayed with the boom positioned vertically to ensure adequate coverage of all foliage. All 1 × and 2X per week treatments were applied on 15, 22 and 29 Jun, 7, 13, 20 and 27 Jul and 3 Aug. 2X per week treatments were also applied on 18 and 25 Jun, 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Jul and 6 Aug. Plots were harvested on 19 and 26 Jul and 2 and 9 Aug. Approximately 500 fruit per treatment were evaluated for SB, thrips, TFW and TPW damage. SB and thrips damage was rated according to the following scale: 1 = none, 2 = slight, 3 = moderate, 4 = heavy and 5 = severe. Fruit rated three or higher were considered unmarketable.