Evaluation of Selected Insecticides for Control of Red Imported Fire Ant in Grain Sorghum, 1994

Abstract

Abstract The efficacy of selected insecticides and application methods for management of RIFA in no-till sorghum was evaluated in two tests at the Macon Ridge Branch of the Northeast Research Station in Franklin Parish, LA. Both tests were planted in a Gigger silt loam (pH = 5.0, 1.4% organic matter) in an area that had been covered with a hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) winter cover crop. Plots consisting of 4 rows (40 inch centers) by 35 ft were planted on 28 Apr in a RCB with 4 replications. Lorsban 4EC and Asana XL were applied as in-furrow sprays at planting (IFSAP) with a CO2 charged system calibrated to deliver 5 gpa at 35 psi through 8002E flat fan nozzles (1/row). Lorsban 4EC and Asana XL were also applied as pre-emergence surface sprays (PRE) with a CO2 charged system calibrated to delvier 10 gpa at 35 psi through 8001 flat fan nozzles (1/row) in a 20 inch band immediately post-plant. Other insecticide treatments were applied either as in-furrow granules at planting (IFGAP), T-banded granules at planting (T-BAND) or seed treatments (SEEDT). RIFA numbers were estimated on 11 May by placing an unruled index card (3 × 5 inches) baited with peanut butter in each plot and recording the no. of ants attracted after 3 h. Plant stand densities were recorded on 19 May by sampling the entire 2 center rows in each plot. Plant heights were estimated on 25 May by measuring 20 plants in each plot. Sorghum seed yields were recorded on 15 Aug by harvesting the 2 center rows of each plot.