Wireworm Control on Potatoes, 1985

Potatoes were planted 30-31 May, at the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, Rosemount MN. The field had been in alfalfa the previous 3 years. The soil type is a Waukegan silt loam. Treatments were 2 rows, 100 ft long, with 40-inch row spacing, randomized in complete blocks with 6 replications. Granular insecticides were applied in-furrow with a planter inounted granular applicator. For treatments in which 2 insecticides were used in combination, 1 was applied with the planter empty of seed, and the second applied when planting. Every third plot was an untreated control. Twice during the season, 16 Jul and 8 Aug, the experimental block was sprayed with Pydrin, 2.4E, at 0.05 lb (AI)/acre, to control potato leafhopper. One row was harvested from each plot on 19 Oct. The potatoes were washed, counted, and scored for wireworm injury. Control for each treated plot was calculated as a % reduction in wireworm damage relative to the combined means of the untreated controls in the same replication.