Evaluation of Foliar and Infurrow Insecticides for Control of Thrips on Cotton in Mississippi, 1995

Abstract

Abstract Insecticides were evaluated at the Plant Science Research Farm, Mississippi State, MS, in a RCB design with 4 replications. Plot size was 4 rows wide (38 inch spacing) by 50 ft long with 4 unsprayed buffer rows between plots. Insecticides applied in-furrow at planting on 10 May were applied with belt cone applicators (Temik 15G) or by CO2-powered plot applicators with a single 9001VF flat fan nozzle per row turned to direct the spray into the seed furrow and calibrated to apply 10 gpa at 2 mph (Orthene 90S at 1.1 lb[AI]/acre and Admire 2F). Insecticides were applied on 7 Jun with a high clearance spray tractor equipped with two TX4 hollow cone nozzles spaced at 19 inches and calibrated for 5 gpa at a pressure of 35 psi and a speed of 4 mph. Carrier of the insecticides was water, with an initial pH of 8.0. Five plants/plot were collected at random by cutting plants at ground level with scissors and gently placing them in Ziploc bags for transportation to the lab. Samples were then washed with a mixture of Clorox, water and a drop of dishwashing detergent into a sieve with 125 micron openings. Thrips were then washed onto filter paper for counting, and adults were identified to species by use of a dissection microscope. Representative insects were identified to species by use of phase contrast microscopy. Plots were not harvested.