Control of Melon Thrips and Melon Worms on Zucchini Squash, Spring 1996

Zucchini squash was seeded in Rock-dale soil on 10 Mar, 1996. A RCB design was employed to provide 4 replicates each for 6 treatments comprising a plot size of 3 rows, 25 feet long. Insecticide applications were initiated after the appearance of either species and continued at approximately 7-day intervals beginning 4 Apr. Foliar insecticides were applied using a CO2-powered backpack sprayer using 2 nozzles per row at 40 PSI delivering 100 gpa. No phytotoxicity was observed with either product. Evaluations were conducted 24 hours after each treatment. Melon thrips were evaluated by collecting 5 mature squash leaves per plot. Leaves were transported to the laboratory where they were washed in 70% alcohol and thrips counted under a microscope. All thrips were sexed and the number of males, females, and larvae counted separately. Melon worms were counted on 5 randomly selected plants per plot on the same dates.