Summer Squash: Hydrated Lime as an Insect Repellent, 1991:

Abstract

Abstract ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’ summer squash was planted 24 May, in Storrs, Connecticut. Plots consisted of 30 plants, 2 ft apart in 3 rows of 10 plants each. Rows were 4 ft apart. Three treatments were replicated 3 times in a randomized complete block design. Asana and hydrated lime were applied on 31 May, 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun, and 4 Jul. Upper and lower leaf surfaces of all plants were sprayed with water immediately prior to applying treatments. Water and Asana applications were made with a 3 gal COa backpack sprayer operating at 25 psi and delivering 40 gal/acre. Plants were sprayed from the top and from each side, by hand with a single hollow cone nozzle. Hydrated lime was applied with a crank-style duster at 50 lb/acre. SCB and SB data were collected from the 10 plants in the center row of each plot. MA were counted on 5 leaves from each of 4 center row plants per plot. The SVB infestation was assessed on 9 Aug by dissecting all plants in the row right of center in each plot and counting larvae. Fruit was harvested, counted and weighed on 12, 19, 26 Jul and 2, 9, 16, 23, and 29 Aug.