Wireworm Control, 1988

Abstract

Abstract Three plots were established in fields that required replanting because of wireworm damage. The seedbed was prepared by field cultivating out the reduced stand in the severely damaged area of the fields. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replicates. The treatments were applied to single 40-ft-long rows on 30-inch spacing. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units that had been calibrated to deliver material at 4 mph. The applicators were mounted on a 4-row John Deere Max-Emerge 7100 integral planter. Each row was monitored constantly to ensure that insecticide was being correctly applied at all times. Drag chains were used for incorporation. Seed treatments were machine planted with each seed treatment assigned to its own seed hopper. Following corn emergence, stand counts were taken and the seeds and seedlings were carefully extracted from two 1-m sections of row, inspected and rated for damage on the following 1-4 damage scale: 1, seed or seedling undamaged; 2, seed or seedling damaged but plant established; 3, seed or seedling damaged, plant showing some signs of stress; 4, seed or seedling damaged, no plant or questionable establishment. The percentage of damaged seeds or seedlings was calculated from the rating scale. Insecticide efficacy was determined by ANOVA. Significant feeding damage occurred only at the Gilbert location.