Evaluation of Acaricides for Control of Spider Mites on Cantaloupes, 1985

Abstract

Abstract Melons were planted 31 Jan ’85 on 80 inch center slant beds at the Imperial Valley Field Station, El Centro, CA. Seeds were precision planted on the south-facing slope of the bed to take advantage of solar heating. Furrow irrigation and other standard practices were used. Experimental plots, 4 rows × 25 ft, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Pesticide applications were made on 16 May using a 2-row, handheld CO2-driven backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 24 gal of total spray/acre at 40 psi. Materials evaluated and rates used are presented in the data table. Total number of adult TSSM were counted on 5 plants/plot. On these plants, 5 leaves, on which the most adult female mites were found, were selected between leaves 10 and 20 on the primary branch. Counts were made on these leaves and summed for a plant total. Counts were made on 15, 22, 28 May, 5 and 11 Jun. Hendersons formula, which takes into account the natural increase/decrease of mites in the control plots was used to convert mite counts into percent control.