Backpack Mistblower Research Articles

Gypsy Moth Larval Control Using Trunk Sprays and Treated Tree Bands, Pa, 1984

Abstract A mixed forest stand with red oaks (7-10 m tall) was selected in Centre Co., PA on 11 Jun after inspection revealed numerous first and second instar larvae. Five treatments (3 Pydrin trunk sprays, 1 tree banding, 1 foliar spray, 1 check) were replicated 6 times in a RCB design. Treatments were first applied 14 Jun when larvae were third and fourth instars. Trunk sprays were applied from ground level to 8 ft using a 1.5-gal stainless steel compression sprayer. A second trunk spray was applied on 28 Jun. The 3-inch-wide plastic foam tree band was treated every week (5682D113-7). The foliar spray was applied using a Solo backpack mist blower. Pesticides were first applied between 15:00 and 17:30 with wind 2-4 mph and temperature 73-78°F. Larval assessment was made by counting the number of dead larvae found at the tree base and by using a 1-minute time count of live larvae visible on lower branches and foliage.

Gypsy Moth Larval Control Using Pydrin, Pa, 1983

Abstract White oak trees (7-10 m tall) intermixed with red oaks and red maple were selected in Centre Co., PA on 3 Jun after inspection revealed a moderate population of hatching gypsy moth egg masses. Three rates of Pydrin, 1 of carbaryl, plus a water control were applied on 8 Jun (replicated five times in a RCB design) using a Solo backpack mist blower. The pesticides were applied between 08:00 and 11:30 when the wind was l-3h mph and temperature was 72-80°F. Larval survival was assessed by taking 1-minute time counts of each tree using a single observer.

Insecticide Efficacy on the Pine Needle Midge, 1984

Abstract Eleven Vi acre test plots were installed in a Christmas tree stand in section 8 of Inverness township in Cheboygan County, MI. Each plot contained approximately 100 Scots pine trees ranging from 4 to 8 feet tall. Midge damage from the previous growing season was prevalent in all test plots and distributed evenly across the field. Experimental treatments were applied with a Solo 423 back pack mistblower calibrated in 15 gal/a. Sprays were applied once at the time of initial adult emergence as indicated by emergence trap catch (21 Jun). Winds were slight at the time of spray (<5mph) and the ambient air temperature was approximately 22°C. Meta-Systox R, the current industry standard, was applied by the cooperating grower twice with the first treatment applied 2 days after all other experimental treatments. The second treatment of Meta-Systox R was applied 1 wk after the first at recommended label rates. At that time all stages of larvae were present and damage was just beginning to show up in the area. Approximately 2 wk later the spray block was surveyed for infested fasicles. On 75 randomly selected Scots pine trees the number of infested fasicles were estimated on the top whorl and leader (Test 1). Total midge impact was measured at the end of the growing season using a rating system devised to rank trees ordinally according to the severity of damage. The system is as follows: 0, no discernable midge damage; 1, slight damage contributing to degrade slightly; 2, damage moderate causing noticible degrade and 3, damage severe, tree may be unmarketable for 1-3 years. During late October, just prior to harvest, fifty systematically selected trees were rated from each treatment plot (Test 2). Damage ratings were analysed using a Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. Individual treatment comparisons were made with a Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. This non parametric approach is analogous to a standard ANOVA and t tests although more appropriate for ordinal ratings that do not usually meet the assumptions of an ANOVA. Individual comparisons were made between the standard, Meta-systox R and each treatment. Comparisons marked with a “s –” performed significantly worse than the standard. Treatments marked with a “s + ” performed significantly better. Those treatments marked with a “ns” do not show a significantly different damage rating than the industry standard, Meta-systox R.

Scots Pine, Efficacy of Insecticides Against European Pine Sawfly, Carroll Co., Oh, 1984

Abstract Pinus sylvestris (1 m high) growing in a Christmas tree plantation were used for evaluating toxicity of insecticides against half-grown larvae (7-10 mm long). Infested trees were sprayed 21 May, using a KWH backpack mistblower operating at 0.5 throttle and aperature setting 3 for 15 sec to deliver ca. 300 ml of finished spray to each of 4, single-tree replicates per treatment. The sky was overcast at 24°C with no breeze during application. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 24 May by counting the number of live larvae in the largest colony per tree.

Juniper, Spruce Spider Mite Control, Columbiana Co., Oh, 1984

Abstract Juniper (1.5-2 m high) growing in a nursery was used to evaluate acaricides against spruce spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi). Treatments were assigned to trees at random, except that the 4 single-tree replicates were chosen from throughout different parts of the plantation. Treatments were applied with a KWH backpack mistblower operating at 0.5 throttle on aperature setting 4 for 30 sec. to deliver ca. 940 ml of finished spray per plant. Each treatment was applied twice: on 27 Jul under sunny skies at 21°C with a 6-9 kph breeze; on 7 Aug under overcast skies at 27°C with a similar breeze. Treatments were evaluated 1 and 2 wk after the second application. During each evaluation, 5 branch ends 10-15 cm long were selected from each tree and transported in paper bags in an air conditioned vehicle to the laboratory. All samples were processed by passing them through a mite brush 6 times to dislodge mites to a rotating glass plate coated with Tween-20. Dislodged mites were counted with the aid of a binocular dissecting microscope.

Scots Pine, Control of Spring Generation Crawlers of a Pine Needle Scale, Portage Co., Oh, 1984

Abstract Pinus sylvestris (1.5-2 m tall) growing in a Christmas tree plantation were chosen for evaluating efficacy of insecticides against settled first stage nymphs. Heavily infested trees were sprayed 24 May, using a KWH backpack mistblower operating at 0.5 throttle on aperature setting 3 for 30 sec. to deliver ca. 600 ml of finished spray to each of 4, single-tree replicates per treatment. Skies were sunny at 24°C and a breeze of 2-6 kph. All crawlers had hatched and were settled first instars when treatments were applied. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 30 May by collecting infested needle fascicles from at least 3 locations on each tree, when possible. Fascicles were placed in coin envelopes and transported under refrigeration to the laboratory where viability of the first 100 nymphs observed under a dissecting scope was determined. Counts were always made from at least 3 fascicles.

Woody Plants, Chemical Control of First and Second Generation Fall Webworm, Wayne Co., Oh, 1984

Abstract Infested plants growing on campus at The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, near Wooster were chosen for evaluating efficacy of insecticides against first and second generation fall webworm caterpillars. A KWH backpack mistblower operating at 0.5 throttle and aperature setting 3 was used to apply finished spray to the web and surrounding foliage on 3 (Jul treatment) or 4, single-tree replicates per treatment. Application on 3 Jul occurred under sunny skies at 27°C with a breeze of 15-25 kph when first generation larvae were ca. 7-10 mm long. Application on 22 Aug occurred when the sky was cloudy at 21°C with only a slight breeze when the larvae were ca. 25-30 mm long. Application on 24 Aug occurred under sunny skies at 18°C with no breeze.Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 5 to 7days after application by dismantling the web in each sprayed tree and counting living and dead larvae.

Pydrin Efficacy on the Pine Chafer in Scots Pine Christmas Trees, 1983

Abstract A RCB design was employed on a 2 acre pine stand in Lake City, MI to measure the efficacy of Pydrin in 2.4EC. Trees varied by height from 2 to 4 ft and by seed-source. Blocking by seed-source was employed to extract any variability due to varietal differences. The experimental unit consisted of 35 randomly selected trees from each treatment cell. The total number of pine chafers on each tree were counted immediately before treatment and at 2 and 9 days after treatment. Treatments were applied using a Solo backpack mistblower calibrated to 13 gal/A spray volume. Weather was optimal at the time of treatment with winds less that 5 mph and with no precipitation for approximately 1 wk after spray. Temperature was approximately 85°F at the time of treatment. Efficacy data presented here were collected nine days after treatment and have been pooled across all four treatment blocks.

Birch, Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Birch Aphid, Wayne Co., Oh, 1984

Abstract B. pendula (4.5 m tall) and B. pubescens (3.5 m tall) growing in an experimental birch planting at The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center near Wooster were chosen for evaluating efficacy of selected insecticides against birch aphid. A KWH backpack mistblower operating at 0.5 throttle and aperature setting 2 was used to deliver 960 ml of finished spray to each of 2 ‘pendula’ and 640 ml to 1 ‘pubescens’ for each treatment. Application was made 4 Sept under clear, evening skies at 18°C with no breeze. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 1, 3, 7, and 14 DAT (days after treatment) by holding a collection tray beneath 2 branches per tree and striking each branch twice. Collections were placed in glass vials; aphids were counted in the laboratory with the aid of a binocular dissecting microscope. The same procedure was followed to make pre-counts on the day of application, prior to treatment, to provide baseline information on aphid population density.

Scots Pine, Control of Spring Generation Crawlers of a Pine Needle Scale, Carroll Co., OH, 1983

Abstract Pinus sylvestris (2.5 to 3 m high) growing in an abandoned block of Christmas trees were chosen for evaluating toxicity of candidate insecticides against spring crawlers. Trees heavily infested with newly hatched crawlers were sprayed 20 May, using a KWH backpack mistblower operating at maximum rph to deliver ca 700 ml of finished spray to three sides of four, single-tree replicates per treatment. Skies were sunny with 21°C temperature and winds gusting to 24 kph. The strong wind gusts precluded application to the downwind side of the trees. All crawlers had hatched and were settled first instars when treatments were applied. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 26 to 27 May by collecting infested needle fascicles from the middle of the sprayed portion of each tree. Fascicles were placed in coin envelopes and transported under refrigeration to the laboratory where the viability of the first 100 nymphs observed under a dissecting scope was determined. Counts were always made from at least three fascicles.

Green Ash, Chemical Control of Plant Bug, Wayne Co., OH. 1983

Abstract Two insecticides were evaluated for controlling a plant bug on 3 to 5 m tall green ash trees growing in a nursery. A KWH backpack mistblower operating a high rpm was used to apply ca. 700 ml of finished spray to each of four single-tree replicates per treatment on 2 Aug when the temperature was 24°C with sunny skies and 8 kph breeze. A D-Vac was used to sample treatment effectiveness on 5 Aug. Each trees was suctioned for 30 sec, after which contents of the collection net wer emptied into pre-labeled plastic bags. Samples were transported to the laboratory and placed in a freezer until insects were sorted and counted with the aid of a dissecting scope.

Scots Pine, Pine Needle Scale Control, Carroll Co., Oh, 1982

Abstract Efficacy of insecticides against spring generation crawlers of a pine needle scale was evaluated on heavily infested 2-m Scots pine growing in a Christmans tree plantation. Foliar sprays were applied with a KWH backpack mistblower operating at high rpm and delivering 900 ml of finished spray per minute. Each treatment was applied to four, single-tree replicates that received 900 ml each on 14 May under sunny skies at 26°C with a breeze of 6 to 10 kph. One week posttreatment, five infested needle fascicles were removed from each tree, and percent mortality was assessed with the aid of a binocular dissecting scope. Viability of the first 100 settled nymphs observed on at least three fascicles was recorded.

Juniper, Chemical Control of Spruce Spider Mite, Orrville, Oh. 1983

Abstract Two formulations of Kelthane were evaluated for controlling spruce spider mite. A KWH backpack mistblower operating at peak rpm was used to apply ca 400 ml of finished spray to each of four, single-plant replicates per treatment on 1 and 12 Aug. when the temperature was 21°C with sunny skies and winds of 24 to 32 kph. Some plants received a single application on 1 Aug.; others received two applications, one on each date. On 17 Aug., ten, 10 to 15-cm twig tips were removed from each plant and processed through a mite brush, thereby dislodging mites and debris on glass plates. Live mites were counted with the aid of a dissecting scope.

Chokecherry, Chemical Control of Fall Webworm, Wayne Co., Oh, 1983

Abstract Infested chokecherry 1.5 to 4.6 m tall growing along a roadside were used for evaluating efficacy of selected insecticides. A KWH backpack mistblower operating at maximum rpm was used to apply ca. 800 ml of finished spray to each of four single-tree replicates per treatment on 17 Aug. when larvae were 14 to 20 mm long. The sky was cloudy with a breeze of 8 to 16 kph and ambient temperature of 26 to 29°C. Spray was initially directed to the webs and then to surrounding foliage. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 6 and 9 days after treatment (DAT) by dismantling one web per tree and counting the number of living and dead larvae.

Choke Cherry, Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Eastern Tent Caterpillar, Holmes, Co., OH; 1983

Abstract Choke cherry (l-6m) growing along a secondary highway and supporting at least one active larval colony were chosen for evaluating efficacy of selected insecticides. A KWH backpack mistblower operating at half throttle at setting 3 applied 600 ml of spray in 30 sec. Small trees were thoroughly covered. Trees larger than 2 m were sprayed after tents and nearby leaves were sprayed to runoff. Four single-tree replicates were treated 17 May with temperatures of 16 to 18°C and wind calm to 16 kph. Caterpillars were 6-8 mm long when sprayed. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 6 days later by counting the number of living larvae in 1 tent per treated tree.

Scots Pine, Efficacy of Insecticides Against European Pine Sawfly, Carroll Co., Oh, 1983

Abstract Pinus sylvestris (ca. 1 m high) growing in a Christmas tree plantation were used for evaluating toxicity of candidate insecticides against medium-sized larvae (ca. 6 to 7 mm long). Infested trees were sprayed 13 May, using a KWH backpack mistblower operaing at 0.5 throttle and setting 3, for 15 sec to deliver 300 ml of finished spray to each of four, single-tree replicates per treatment. Ambient temperature was 23°F, with sunny skies and only a slight breeze. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated by counting the number of colonies per tree and estimating the number of larvae in each of the first four colonies detected. Treatments were first evaluated 16 May, followed by further inspection of Dimilin-treated trees on 20 and 24 May.

Scots Pine, Pine Needls Scale Control, Carroll Co., Ohio, 1980

Abstract Pinus sylvestris 2-3 m high growing in a Christmas tree plantation were used to evaluate effectiveness of selected insecticides against crawlers. Infested trees were selected and sprayed May 23, using a KWH backpack mistblower delivering ca 500 ml of finished spray per each of 4, single tree replicates/ treatment. Ambient temperature during application was 24-26°C with cloudy skies and a slight (5-7 kph) breeze. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated 6 days post-treatment by removing several crawler-infested needle fascicles from each tree and placing them in coin envelopes. Samples were transported in an air conditioned vehicle to the laboratory where mortality counts were made using a binocular microscope and counting the number of dead and alive settled nymphs of the first 100 encountered. On May 30, different trees were selected and treated with the most promising insecticides used on May 23. Application and evaluation were conducted in the aforementioned manner, except 3, single tree replicates were used. Sprayed and unsprayed check trees were sampled Jun 5.

Scots Pine, Chemical Control of Pine Spittlebug, Wooster, OH, 1983

Abstract Efficacy of selected treatments for controlling pine spittlebug was evaluated in a Christmas tree plantation. A KWH backpack mistblower operating at a high rpm was used to deliver ca. 200 ml of finished spray to a quarter radial section of the crown of each of four, single-tree replicates per treatment on 14 June with sunny skies at 31°C, and a slight breeze (0 to 8 kph). Each sprayed section contained at least one spittle mass that was flagged for later observation. Treatment effectiveness was determined 23 June by inspecting the flagged areas of twigs for spittle masses. Dimilin treatments were observed a second time on 30 June.

Control of Hackberry Butterfly Larvae on Sugarberry Trees, 1978

Abstract In August, during the second defoliation, preliminary tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of carbaryl for controlling A. celtis larvae. The insecticide was mixed with water and applied with a backpack mist blower at 1.25 lb (Sevin Sprayable 80%) per acre (5 gal diluted spray containing I lb ai/A). Heavily infested sugarberry trees 6 to 20 ft tall were selected; 7 and 10 frees selected at random were treated at Catfish Point, Mississippi, and Choctaw Bar, Arkansas, respectively, while 4 trees remained untreated at each location. Two 18-inch branches were selected at rando on each tree and the number of larvae counted before treatment (prespray count) and again 24 hrs after treatment (postspray count). A “t” test for unpaired plots was used to test for significance at the .05 level.

Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Ground Spray Tests, 1974

Abstract To find a replacement for DDT for control of the Douglas-fir tussock moth ground tests of 15 insecticides were conducted between June 21 and July 10′74 on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in northeastern Oregon. Each material was applied at 3 different rates, following recommendations solicited from the manufacturers. Each dosage tested was replicated on 3 randomly selected pairs of trees 15-25 ft high. Applications were made at a rate equal to 1 gal/acre using a backpack mistblower with a Beecomist Model 150 with wettable powder sleeve which gave a droplet size (VMD) of approximately 100 for oil based and 250 for water based sprays. Spraying took 5 days to complete, on each day 3 pairs of trees were randomly selected from those to be treated and set aside as checks. Population estimates were made at 1 day before spraying and 3 intervals after spraying by sampling 3, 18-inch branches from each tree. Populations were expressed as number of larvae per 1000 in of branch surface. Application was made primarily against first and second instar larvae.