Effects of insecticides applied to control cucumber beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on watermelon yields

Abstract

Foliar insecticides applied to control the striped and spotted cucumber beetles, Acalymma vittatum (Fab.) and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, on watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, were of little or no value in three studies conducted in two locations over 2 years. However, an at-planting application of the systemic, soil insecticide carbofuran resulted in higher early yields, although the differences were not statistically significant in small plots. In 1991, large plots comparing carbofuran-treated watermelons with untreated watermelons in two commercial fields showed large and statistically significant increases in melon yield when carbofuran was applied, especially in early yield. Studies in 1992 and 1993 showed that the application of carbofuran at planting stimulated root and shoot growth after transplating and increased yields when compared with untreated plots, plots treated with methyl bromide, or another soil insecticide, terbufos. These studies suggest that carbofuran may be acting as a growth stimulant, as well as an insecticide.