Flea Beetle Damage Research Articles

Control of E. Hirtipennis and M. Persicae on Burley Tobacco with Foliar Insecticides, 1984

Abstract Eight foliar applied insecticide treatments were evaluated at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greeneville, TN. Burley tobacco ‘Va 509’ was transplanted on 2 Jun. Plots were 30 ft x 4 rows spaced 40 inches apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated from each other by 5-ft alleys. Three insecticide applications were made during the season (6 Jul, 26 Jul, 13 Aug). Sprays were applied with 2.5 gal compressed CO2 sprayers at 30 gal/acre and tank pressure of 30 psi. Flea beetle damage was evaluated as average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 inches) from top of plant. Aphid ratings ranged from 0 (no evident infestation) to 5 (heavy infestation with necrosis of lower leaf bases).

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetle and Green Peach Aphid with Soil Insecticides, 1984

Abstract Five soil-applied insecticide treatments were evaluated at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greeneville, TN. Granular insecticides were applied and incorporated on 17 May; liquid formulations were applied and incorporated prior to transplanting on 24 May. Plots were 30 ft x 4 rows with 40-inch spacing between rows; plants were spaced 18 inches apart. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a completely random design. Flea beetle damage was reported as average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 inches) from the top of the plant. Aphid ratings ranged from 0 (no evident infestation) to 5 (heavy infestation with necrosis of lower leaf bases). Soil type was Hermitage silt loam.

EFFECTS OF FLEA BEETLES, PHYLLOTRETA SPP. (CHRYSOMELIDAE: COLEOPTERA), ON THE SURVIVAL, GROWTH, SEED YIELD AND QUALITY OF CANOLA, RAPE AND YELLOW MUSTARD

AbstractThe effects of damage by natural infestations of the flea beetles Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and Phyllotreta striolata (F.) on field plots of canola, rape (Brassica napus L.), and yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.) are described. Damage occurred primarily during the first few weeks after emergence: seedling mortality was high during the first week and growth was reduced during at least the first 2 weeks. This early damage delayed plant development, caused unevenness in height and maturity, and reduced seed yield and raised the chlorophyll content of the seed.Comparison among tests and treatments showed that a later-seeded test suffered less damage, and that carbofuran-treated plots were better protected than lindane-treated plots although the latter suffered slightly lower plant mortality. Yellow mustard showed a high level of resistance to flea beetle damage in comparison to rape and canola. Small differences in susceptibility were detected among three cultivars of B. napus.

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetles on Dark Fire-Cured and Burley Tobacco with Transplant Solution Insecticides, 1983

Abstract Tobacco ‘Madole’ and ‘Va 509’ was transplanted on 8 Jun. at the Highland Rim Exp. St., Springfield. Insecticides were applied in transplant water at the rate of 400 gal for 8,000 plants of burley per acre, and 200 gal for 4,000 plants of the dark tobacco per acre. Plots were 200 ft long, four rows wide, arranged in three randomized complete blocks. Rows were spaced 42 in. apart; plants were spaced 18 in. within rows for burley and 36 in. for dark. Flea beetle damage was evaluated on 20 June and 12 July as number of feeding holes per plant.

Wireworm and Flea Beetle Control on Floe-Cured Tobacco with Soil-Applied Insecticides, 1982

Abstract Tests were conducted on commercially grown tobacco in four locations. Plots consisted of 0.020 or 0.025 acre of tobacco in four rows separated laterally by a vacant fifth row and on the ends by a 16 to 20-ft turn alley. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Broadcast treatments were applied 14 Apr., 19 Apr., 22 Apr. and 3 May in Tests 1 to 4 respectively. Broadcast spray treatments were applied with a tractor-mounted sprayer at 35 lb/in2 through 8004 flat fan nozzles delivering ca. 25 gal finished spray per acre. Granular materials were broadcast using two tractor-mounted, electrically driven granular applicators. Broadcast treatments were incorporated by discing twice in opposite directions. Transplant water treatments were applied using the farmers’ tractor-drawn transplanters (225, 175, 320, 200 gal/acre in Tests 1 to 4, respectively). Transplant dates were 21 Apr., 29 Apr., 4 May, and 5 May (Tests 1 to 4, respectively). Twenty additional plants were set in the middle rows of each plot at transplanting using hand setters. These (or adjacent mechanically set plants in the case of transplant water treatments) were removed 15 to 20 days later and evaluated for wireworm damage on the following scale: 0, no damage; 1, external feeding not reaching pith; 2, feeding reaching pith but less than 0.5 in. vertical tunneling; 3, stem tunneled over 0.5 in. In test 2, ten alternate plants (from a random start) in the middle two rows were checked for flea beetles and rated for flea beetle damage (1, light to 3, heavy). After harvest and curing, tobacco from each plot was weighed and given a standard federal grade. Grades were converted to a quality index and weighted averages calculated. Analyses of variance tests were conducted on all variables and means were separated using the Waller-Duncan K ratio t test (K ratio = 100). For analysis, flea beetle numbers were transformed to the square root of N + 0.5; damage ratings were converted to a proportion of the highest possible rating and subjected to an arc sine transformation.

ECONOMICS OF INSECTICIDAL CONTROL OF FLEA BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) ATTACKING RAPE IN CANADA

AbstractThe costs and benefits of insecticidal control and the losses attributable to flea beetle damage are estimated for oilseed rapes in Canada. Analyses of two farm surveys and reports on the efficacies of the various control practices conducted in test plots led us to calculate three sets of estimates based on different assumptions. Four-fold differences are observed between the lowest and highest estimates. The lowest estimates are adopted as the most realistic. The estimated losses were $72 million in 1979, 8% of the annual production. In 1979 growers spent about $12 million on insecticidal control which saved about $44 million worth of production. We conclude that flea beetle damage to rape causes an average annual yield loss of about 10% and is higher in Manitoba than Saskatchewan. The damage levels estimated from small test plots are higher, on average, than those in commercial fields, which accounts for most of the differences among estimates.

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetles and Green Peach Aphid on Burley Tobacco, 1981

Abstract Eight foliar insecticides were evaluated at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greeneville. Burley tobacco ‘Va 509’ was transplanted on May 25. Plots were 20 ft x 3 rows spaced 40 inches apart; plants were spaced 18 inches apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated from each other by 5 ft alleys. Five insecticide applications were made on a 14 day schedule, beginning Jun 15. Sprays were applied with 2.5 gal compressed air sprayers at 30 gal/acre. Portable CO2 tanks supplied a constant sprayer tank presure of 30 psi. Flea beetle damage was evaluated as average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 inches) from the top of the plant. Aphid ratings ranged from 0 (no evident infestation) to 5 (heavy infestation with necrosis of lower leaf bases).

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetle and Green Peach Aphid on Burley Tobacco with Soil Insecticides, 1981

Abstract Four soil-applied insecticides were evaluated at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greeneville. Soil insecticides were applied and incorporated prior to transplanting on May 25. Plots were 20 ft x 4 rows with 40 inch spacing between rows; plants were spaced 18 inches apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated by 5 ft alleys. Flea beetle damage was based on average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 inches) from the top of the plant. Aphid ratings ranged from 0 (no evident damage) to 5 (heavy infestation with necrosis of lower leaf bases). Soil type was Hermitage silt loam of pH 6.3.

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetle on Burley Tobacco with Soil Insecticides, 1980

Abstract Five soil insecticides were evaluated at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greeneville. Soil insecticides were applied and incorporated prior to transplanting on June 2. Plots were 20 ft x 4 rows with 40 in spacing between rows; plants were spaced 18 inches apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated by 5 ft alleys. Live flea beetle counts were based on an average number/10 plants. Flea beetle damage was based on average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 in) from the top of the plant. Soil type was Hermitage silt-loam of pH 6.3.

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetles on Burley Tobacco, 1980

Abstract Fourteen foliar insecticides were evaluated at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greenville. Burley tobacco ‘Va 509’ was transplanted on May 23. Plots were 20 ft x 3 rows spaced 40 inches apart; plants were spaced 18 in apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated from each other by 5 ft alleys. Five insecticide applications were made on a 14-day schedule, beginning June 3. Sprays were applied with 2.5 gal compressed air sprayers at 30 gal/acre. Portable CO2 tanks supplied a constant sprayer tank pressure of 30 psi. Live flea beetle counts were based on average number/10 plants. Flea beetle damage was evaluated as average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 in) from the top of the plant.

Control of E. Hirtipennis on Burley Tobacco, 1980

Abstract Burley tobacco ‘Va 509’ was transplanted on May 23 at the Tobacco Experiment Station, Greeneville. Insecticides were applied on 14-day schedule for a total of 4 applications, beginning June 11. Sprays were applied with a 5-row high clearance sprayer using one full-cone nozzle per row which delivered 20 gal/acre at 60 psi. Plots were 150 ft x 5 rows wide arranged in 3 randomized complete blocks. Rows were spaced 40 Inches apart; plants were spaced 18 inches within rows. Live flea beetle counts were based on the average number/10 plants. Flea beetle damage was based on the average number of feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 in) from the top of the plant. Soil type was Hermitage silt-loam at pH 6.3.

Control of Tobacco Fleabeetles and Tobacco Hornworms on Dark Fire-Cured Tobacco, 1980

Abstract Tobacco ‘Madole’ was transplanted on May 27 at the Highland Rim Experiment Station, Springfield. Sprays were applied on a 14-day schedule for a total of 5 applications beginning June 11. Insecticides were applied with a high-clearance sprayer using a 10-row boom with one full-cone nozzle per row which delivered 20 gal/acre at 60 psi. Plots were 70 ft x 10 rows (42 in spacing) with 3 replicates in a randomized complete block design. Blocks were separated by 5 ft alleys and plants were spaced 36 inch within rows. Hornworm counts were based on the average number/100 plants. Flea beetle damage was evaluated as average numbers of feeding holes/10 leaves. Counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 in) from the top of the plant. Soil type was Mounrview silt loam at pH 6.6.

Flea Beetle Control in Sweet Corn, 1980

Abstract This trial was conducted in a commercial sweet corn field planted on May 5. Two row by 50 ft plots were replicated 5 times. All treatments were applied on May 9 as a 7 inch band over the row using a one row Gandy applicator and incorporated using a hand rake. Twenty plants per plot (10 plants per row) were evaluated for flea beetle damage on Jun 2.

HAIRS PROTECT PODS OF MUSTARD (BRASSICA HIRTA ’GISILBA’) FROM FLEA BEETLE FEEDING DAMAGE

Pods of the mustard Brassica hirta ’Gisilba’, which have stiff hairs, showed no significant flea beetle damage, while adjacent rapeseed plots showed heavy pod damage. Removal of hairs from mustard pods caused an increase in feeding damage by the flea beetles. Breeding for pod hairiness in rapeseed may reduce pod damage caused by this pest to an insignificant level.

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetles, Aphids, and Grasshoppers on Burley Tobacco, 1979

Abstract Twenty-two insecticide treatments were evaluated. Soil insecticides were applied and incorporated prior to transplanting on June 6. Foliar sprays were applied with 2.5 gal compressed air sprayers at 30 gal/acre. Portable CO2 tanks supplied a constant sprayer tank pressure of 30 psi. Foliar applications were made on a 14-day schedule for a total of five beginning June 25. Plots were 20 ft × 3 rows spaced 40 inches apart; plants were spaced 14 inches apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated from each other by 5 ft alleys. Flea beetle damage was evaluated as feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 in) from the top of the plant. Aphid ratings ranged from 0 (no evident infestation) to 5 (heavy infestation with necrosis of lower leaf bases). Grasshopper damage ratings ranged from 0 (no damage) to 3 (heavy damage to at least 3/4 of the leaves). Insect feeding and damage evaluations were based on 40 leaf samples.

Field Evaluation of Foliar Insecticides for Preflowering Mung Bean Insects, Pangasinan, Philippines, 1977-78

Abstract The objective was to Identify commercially available insecticides that are effective at low dosages and thus economical to small-scale farmers. Four trials on farmers' fields evaluated 30 foliar insecticides applied on 2 and 12 days after crop emergence (DE) against preflowering insects. Each insecticide was applied to 3 replicated plots (50 sq.m) by a manually operated, 19-1 knapsack sprayer with a fan jet nozzle in a randomized complete block design. Spray volume averaged 400 L4ia. All plots, including rhe check received postflowering insecticide (0.75 kg ai Thiodan/ha on 35, 45 and 55 DE) and fungicide (0.5 kg ai Ben late/ha on 35 and 45 DE). Plastic sheeting (1-m wide) was held between plots to prevent spray drift. The trials were conducted in the dry season in the village of Pao, Manaoag municipality, Pangasinan province. Mung bean (300,000 plants/ha) was broadcast sown and harrowed into tilled seedbeds (plowed and harrowed by draft animal power) on fields previously planted to puddled rice during the monsoon season. Fields were irrigated once to ensure even germination. Rainfall was 0 mm and the mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures were 31 and 19 C, respectively for the crop period. Beanflies were counted by dissecting 25 plants/plot. Flea beetle damage was estimated visually as % defoliation on a per-plot basis. Aphids were scored (1-9 scale) on a per-plant basis expressed as an average per plot: 1 = no aphids, 3 = winged aphids, 5 = several colonies, 7 = many distinct colonies, 9 = many coalesced and indistinct colonies. Yield was based on 15 sq. m.

Evaluation of Nematic1Des/Insecticides for Sweet Potato, Wayne County, 1978

Abstract The effects of fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides/insecticides on nematodes and soil insects, yield, and quality of sweet potatoes were studied in a deep Norfolk sandy loam (pH = 6.4; O. M. = 0.5%; sand = 85.2%, silt = 10.1%, clay = 4.7%) in Wayne County, NC. The site had been planted to sweetpotatoes in 1977 and soybeans in 1976; root-knot nematode larvae counts of ca. 100/500 cm3 soil were low on May, 1978. On Jun 7, plots were hilled, and Vernam 6EC herbicide (.66 pt/acre) was applied. On Jun 14, fumigants were injected with a single chisel at a depth of ca. 6 inches centered over the row using a self-propelled applicator. Soil temperature at 6-inch depth was 83°F, air temperature was 90°F, and soil moisture was 85.3% of field capacity. On Jun 28, granular formulations were uniformly applied with a “salt shaker#x201D;, and wettable powders were suspended in water and applied as a drench at a rate of ca. 500 gal/acre or were applied with transplant water. Granular materials and drenches were applied to a 12-inch band over row centers, and within an hour incorporated to a depth of ca. 6-8 inches using a rototiller. Soil temperature at a 6-inch depth was 88°F, air temperature was 95°F, and soil moisture was fairly dry (77.6% of field capacity). On Jul 24, at layby, granular materials were uniformly applied to a 12-inch band over plant canopy using a “salt shaker#x201D;. Plots were single rows, 50-ft long, on 40-inch spacing. Treatments were replicated in four complete randomized blocks with 10-ft alleys between replications. On Oct 23, twelve soil borings (2 to 12-inch horizon) were taken from the root zone of each plot, composited, assayed for nematodes (extracted by the elutriation-centrifugation technique) and identified. On Oct 24, roots were harvested, graded into U.S.D.A. size grades (Jumbo, No. 1, Conner), and weighed; fifteen roots (5 canner, 5 small and 5 medium No. 1) were removed from each plot and rated for nematode, wireworm, white grub, and flea beetle damage; internal nematode infection was counted by slicing ca. 40% of the distal portion of each root in 2-mm sections and counting internal lesions. Weather during growing season was dry, and plants were under moisture stress in late summer. There was no water injury to roots at harvest as had occurred in previous years.

Field Evaluation of Foliar Insecticides for Preflowering Mung Bean Insects, Pangasinan, Philippines, 1978-79

Abstract The objective was to identify commercially available insecticides comparable in performance to Azodrin, currently recommended for preflowering mung bean insects. Six trials on farmers‘ fields evaluated 35 foliar insecticides applied at low dosages (and thus economical for small-scale farmers) on 2 and 12 days after crop emergence (DE) against preflowering insects. Azodrin (0.25 kg ai/ha) was included in each trial for comparison. Each insecticide was applied to 4 replicated plots (50 sq.m) by a manually operated, 19-1 knapsack sprayer with a fan jet nozzle in a randomized complete block design. Spray volume averaged 400 \/ha. All plots, including the check, received postflowering insecticide (0.05 kg ai Decis/ha). CESID-21, resistant to powdery mildew, did not require fungicide protection. Plastic sheeting (1-m wide) was held between plots to prevent spray drift. The trials were conducted during the dry season in the village of Pao, Manaoag municipality, Pangasinan province. Mung bean (300,000 plants/ha) was broadcast sowed and harrowed into tilled soil (plowed and harrowed by draft animal power) on fields previously planted to puddled rice during the monsoon season. Fields were irrigated once to ensure even germination. Rainfall was 0 mm, RH averaged 79%, and the mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures were 31�C and 19�C, respectively for the crop period. Beanflies were counted by dissecting 25 plants/plot. Flea beetle damage was estimated visually as % defoliation on a per-plot basis. Aphids were scored (1-9 scale) on a per-plant basis expressed as an average/plot: 1 = no aphids, 3 = winged aphids, 5 = several colonies, 7 = many distinct colonies, 9 = many coalesced and indistinct colonies. Yield was based on 15 sq.m.

Control of Tobacco Flea Beetles, Aphids, and Grasshoppers on Burley Tobacco, 1979

Abstract Twenty-two insecticide treatments were evaluated. Soil insecticides were applied and incorporated prior to transplanting on June 6. Foliar sprays were applied with 2.5 gal compressed air sprayers at 30 gal/acre. Portable CO2 tanks supplied a constant sprayer tank pressure of 30 psi. Foliar applications were made on a 14-day schedule for a total of five beginning June 25. Plots were 20 ft × 3 rows spaced 40 inches apart; plants were spaced 14 inches apart. Four randomized complete blocks were separated from each other by 5 ft alleys. Flea beetle damage was evaluated as feeding holes/10 leaves; counts were made on the fifth leaf (of width greater than 2 in) from the top of the plant. Aphid ratings ranged from 0 (no evident infestation) to 5 (heavy infestation with necrosis of lower leaf bases). Grasshopper damage ratings ranged from 0 (no damage) to 3 (heavy damage to at least 3/4 of the leaves). Insect feeding and damage evaluations were based on 40 leaf samples.

Wireworm Control on Sweet Potatoes, Lenoir County, 1978

Abstract 'Jewel' sweet potatoes were transplanted on Jun 8, near Kinston, NC. Shell DD at 15 gal/acre was used for nematode control. 1500 lbs of 10-10-20 fertilizer were applied at planting and 200 lbs of Nitrate of soda 16% were applied at layby. Plots consisted of three 50-ft rows arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated 4 times. Treatments were applied on either Jul 24 or Aug 1. Granular insecticides were applied in a 2—ft band with a hand shaker jar. Watering cans were used to “water in#x201D; certain treatments at a rate equivalent to 100 gallons/acre. Potatoes were harvested on Oct 3. Wireworm damage was evaluated by scoring 25 roots selected at random from the middle row of each plot. Damage classes were: 0 = no damage, 1 = 1 hole, 2 = 2-4 holes, 3 = 5 or more holes/sweet potato. The total number of roots in each damage class/plot was then multiplied by a damage factor. Flea beetle damage was negligible.