Evaluation of Insecticides for Squash Vine Borer Control on Summer Squash, 1993

Abstract

Abstract ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’ summer squash were direct seeded 8 Jun, in Storrs, Connecticut. Weed control consisted of the stale-seed-bed technique, using paraquat as a pre plant spray, supplemented by hand and mechanical cultivation. Bravo 720 was applied weekly between 30 Jul and 8 Sep along with four biweekly applications of Benlate 50W. Plots consisted of 12 plants in a single, 24 ft long row, with two ft between plants. Rows were spaced four ft apart. An unsprayed guard-row separated each plot. Seven treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Treatments consisted ol an unsprayed control and applications of Ambush, Asana, Malathion, Methoxychlor, Rotenone and Thiodan on 16, 23, and 30 Jul and 6 Aug. Plots were either sprayed from the top and sides with a CO2 backpack sprayer at 30 psi with 40 gallons of water/acre or treated with a hand-cranked duster. On 23 Aug, aphids were counted on two leaves from five plants per plot. Five plants from each plot were dissected on 25 and 26 Aug and SVB larvae were counted. Fruit from five plants per plot were harvested, counted and weighed every three to four days from 19 Jul through 23 Sep.