Wireworm Control on Potato, 1987

Certified B-size potatoes were planted 19 May at the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, Rosemount. The field, a Waukegan silt loam, had been in alfalfa the previous 3 yr. Treatments were 2 rows, 110 ft long with 40-inch row spacing. Treatments were randomized in complete blocks with 6 replications. Granular insecticides were applied in furrow with a planter-mounted granular applicator. An untreated check was planted between every 2 insecticidal treatments. The plots were sprayed once, on 26 Aug, with Pydrin 2.4EC + Butacide 8E at 0.1 + 0.25 lb (AI)/acre to control Colorado potato beetle and potato leafhopper. On 28 Sept, potatoes were harvested, counted, and scored for wireworm injury. Control for each treatment was calculated as percent reduction in wireworm damage relative to the adjacent untreated control.