Tests of a Spun Polyester Row Cover as a Barrier Against Seedcorn Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) and Cabbage Pest Infestations

Abstract

Reemay, a spun polyester row-cover material, was tested as a barrier to insect pest infestations in two different systems. The row cover was ineffective in preventing infestation of seeds by seedcorn maggot, Delia platura (Meigen), suggesting that eggs or larvae were already present in the field at time of planting. The row cover dramatically reduced populations of cabbage insect pests (lepidopterous larvae, flea beetles, cabbage maggots, and aphids) as well as numbers of insect-damaged cabbage heads in both 1984 and 1986. In 1986, numbers of heads produced were lower under the row cover, probably because of bacterial rot due to excessive humidity. Marketable yields were still substantially higher under the row covers.