Abstract
Abstract The objective of the experiment was to evaluate Safer insecticidal soap alone and in combination with malathion for control of spider mites on caged tomatoes. Transplants were set out 12 Apr at the Texas A&M University Research & Extension Center, Dallas, TX. Twenty-four treatment plots consisting of single, caged tomato plants (cage dimensions: height = 4.5 ft, diameter = 2 ft) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plants were set in raised beds on 6 ft centers (5 ft plant spacing). Sprays were applied to the point of run-off with a Birchmeier backpack sprayer using a hollow cone nozzle (7.5 X). A transportable plastic spray shield was used to reduce drift between plots at the time of the spray treatment. Because of low mite numbers, plants were artificially infested on 5 Jul by placing 1-2 spider miteinfested tomato leaves on each plant. Insecticide applications were made on 27 Jul, 1, 7, and 11 Aug. The 'early' soap treatment received an additional application on 18 Jul, and the Kelthane treatment was applied 1, 7, and 11 Aug. Mite densities were estimated from leaf disks (area = 1.77 cm2) excised with a cork borer from the distal portion of 10 terminal leaflets. Leaflets were randomly selected from the upper V6 of the plant. Mites were identified according to life stage and counted under a Wild stereomicroscope. Visual damage ratings were based on inspection (by five observers) of the upper % of the plant canopy.
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