Spring Control of Bluegrass Billbug on Kentucky Bluegrass Plots At University Park, Pa., 1987

Abstract

Abstract The field plots consisted primarily of Kentucky bluegrass. Treatment plots were 9 × 6 ft, arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied by using a CO2 sprayer with 4 8004VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on a 6-ft boom, operating at 28 psi and delivering 5 gal/1000 sq ft. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker, and mixed with a fine grade of sand top dressing to facilitate product distribution. At treatment time (6 May), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 70°F; soil temperature 68°F; RH 48%; amount of thatch, 0.25|0.7S| inches; soil type, sandy loam; soil size separation, 20.2% sand, 59.6% silt, 20.2% clay; soil moisture, 28.0%; soil pH 5.4; % organic matter, 4.7; water pH,' slightly acidic; 6.1 inches of rainfall was recorded over the posttreatment period. The experimental area was irrigated 18 h after treatment with 0.25 inches of water. Posttreatment counts were made 69 days later (7 Jul). Bluegrass billbug control was evaluated by removing 4 0.087-sq-ft sod samples from each; replicate, and the total bluegrass billbug life stages (larvae, pupae, adults) were recorded from each sample and converted to a sq-ft count. Sod samples were removed with 4-inch cup cutter.