Evaluation of Admire 2F and an Entomopathogenic Nematode to Manage Oriental Beetle Popula-Tions on Blueberries, 1997

Abstract

Abstract The effect of application time of Admire 2F (imidacloprid) and an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (CruiserTM), on their efficacy against scarab grubs was assessed in blueberries. This trial was conducted in a 6-year-old ‘Elliott’ blueberry field in full production, near Hammonton, NJ. Blueberry bushes were approximately 4-5 ft tall and spaced 9 X 4 ft apart and were irrigated season long with overhead sprinklers. Soil type at this location was sandy loam with a pH of 4.0. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a RCB design with each replicate consisting of 36-ft long row of 8-9 bushes. Treatments were separated by a single row between blocks and 15-ft between treatments within a block. Three application timings of Admire (11 June, 8 July, 14 August) and two timings of Cruiser (8 July and 14 August) were evaluated. These dates approximately represent the beginning, peak, and completion of adult flight of OB in New Jersey. Insecticides were applied as a 1.5-ft band on both sides of the plant for a total of 108 ft2 per replicate. Insectides were applied with a CO2 pressurized Model T backpack sprayer (R & D sprayers) equipped with a single TeeJet nozzle (1105 VS) operated at 40 PSI and calibrated to deliver 100 gal/acre of finished spray. Field was irrigated for approximately 2 and 4 hours before and after spraying, respectively. Treatment effects were assessed by sampling soil and roots in 12-inches-diameter by 10-inches-deep areas around each of 4 randomly selected plants per replication for OB grubs. Plants were sampled between 23 September-3 October. Data were transformed to x + 0.5 before analysis of variance.