Efficacy of Soil Insecticides in Controlling Wireworms in Field Corn, 1997

Each treatment was applied to a single 30-ft-long row. A RCB design with four replications was used. Two untreated checks were included in each replication. Data collected from the untreated plots were averaged for the ANOVA. Granular insecticides applied at planting were metered through computer-controlled SmartBox (SBX) granular applicators or Noble units mounted on each of the four planter units (ALMACO 4-row Precision planter). The planting-time granules were applied in-furrow or in a 7-inch band ahead of the firming wheels on the planter. Spring tines mounted behind each planter unit were used to incorporate the insecticide. All rates are specified as lb (AI)/acre based on 30-inch row spacing. On 12 Jun, plant damage ratings were obtained by removing a trench of soil 1 meter (length) X 10 cen-timeters (width) X 10 centimeters (depth). The number of wireworm larvae was recorded for each sample. In addition, seeds/seedlings in each 1 meter of row were examined for wireworm damage and rated according to the following scale: 1 = Seed/seedling undamaged; 2 = Seed/seedling damaged but plant established; 3 = Seed/seedling damaged with plant showing signs of stress; 4 = Seed/seedling damaged with no plant establishment.