Tobacco Budworm Control in Flue-Cured Tobacco, 1990

Abstract

Abstract Flue-cure tobacco 'Var. NC NF37 was transplanted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Ga., on 26 Mar. Plots 4 rows wide (36 in apart) × 20 ft long were arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated 4 times. Treatments were separated by single untreated border rows with the center 2 rows of each plot being sprayed. Blocks were separated on each end by 4 ft vacant alleys. Seven insecticide treatments were applied on 18 May, 25 May, and 1 Jun to control small tobacco budworm (TBW) larvae which had increased to a density of 2.5 per 8 plants (economic threshold is 1 per 10 plants). The foliar sprays were applied with a CO2-powered backpack sprayer delivering 23.6 GPA of formulation at 35 psi. Three TX-12 nozzles were arranged directly over each treated row. TBW populations/8 plants were determined prior to treatment and 3 and 7 DAT after the first spray, 3 and 6 DAT after the second application and 4 DAT after the final spray. Plants were examined for TBW defoliation 10 days after the last application, and each plot was harvested during mid-Jun to early Jul.