Early-Season Control of Chinch Bugs in Field Corn with Granular Insecticides, 1987

Abstract

Abstract ‘Pioneer 3165’ field corn was planted on 7 Apr in loessial silt loam (Gigger-Gilbert complex) at the Macon Ridge branch of the LSU Northeast Research Station. Granular insecticides were applied at planting using a 2-row John Deere Model 71 Flexi-Planter, modified to carry 1-pt jars of insecticide. Jars were inverted above funnels connected by flexible delivery tubes to either a 7-inch band or an in-furrow applicator. The diameter of a single central hole in the lid of each jar, in combination with tractor speed, determined the rate of insecticide flow. Banded insecticides were applied in front of the press wheel and further incorporated by a drag cahin attached to the rear of the planter. A randomized complete block design with 4 replications was used, and each treatment consisted of two 40-ft rows spaced 36 inches apart. Treatments were evaluated 6 May by counting the number of chinch bugs/20 plants, the number of plants infested with nymphs, and stand counts/40 ft of row. After maturity the corn was harvested and data collected on lb of shelled corn per 40 ft of row.