Pear, Insecticide Evaluations, 1992

Abstract

Abstract Mature ‘Bartlett’ pear trees were sprayed with handguns operating at 600 psi to evaluate pesticides for control of pear pests. Plots consisted of 5 single-tree replicates in randomized block design. All treatments except Agridyne and NTN 33893 at 6.7 oz were applied 23 Apr, 19 May and 20 Jul. Agridyne was applied 23, 30 Apr, 7 May and 1, 8, 15 Jun. NTN 33893 at 6.7 oz was applied 23 Apr and 19 May. Treatments were evaluated for PP control by counts made at 2-wk intervals. Adult PP were counted from a 5-beating-tray sample per replication. PP nymphs were counted from a 25-leafsample per replicate. Samples prior to 26 May consisted of fruiting spur leaves, those during the remainder of the season consisted of the proximal leaf, distal leaf and 3 leaves from the middle of 5 terminal shoots. Leaves were brushed and resulting slides were examined under 10 X magnification. Fruit damage by insects and mites was rated according to US grade standards for fresh market ‘Bartlett’ pears on 2 samples of 25 mature fruits per replication. Factors of fruit quality including firmness, soluble solids and size were evaluated from 2 10-fruit samples per replicate at normal harvest maturity. Fruit and foliage were examined for phytotoxicity after each spray.