Direct application of reduced rates of aldicarb to potato seedpieces

Abstract

Aldicarb was applied directly to potato seedpieces at 0.3, 0.6, 1.1, 2.2 and 3.4 kg AI/ha at planting and at 2.24 kg Al/ha over the plants at crop emergence. All seedpiece treatments resulted in superior early season protection from Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Lower seedpiece rates lost effectiveness by early July, while higher rates protected foliage into early August. In a second study, plots treated with 1.1 kg AI/ha to the seedpiece produced crop yields as high as those treated with additional aldicarb at crop emergence. It is suggested that low rates of aldicarb applied directly to the seedpiece at planting could offer effective early season insect control while reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.