Wireworm Control on Potato, 1986

Certified B-size potatoes were planted 29 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, 80 ft long, with 40-inch row spacing. Treatments were randomized in complete blocks with 5 replications. Granular insecticides were applied in-furrow using a planter-mounted granular applicator. For the treatment with 2 insecticides used in combination, 1 insecticide was applied with the planter empty of seed and the other was applied when planting. Every third plot was an untreated control. Once during the season, on 8 Aug, the entire experimental block was sprayed with Pydrin 2.4E, at 0.05 lb (AI)/ acre, to control potato leafhopper. Two rows were harvested from each plot 2 Oct. The potatoes were washed, counted, and scored for wireworm injury. Data for untreated control plots were pooled within replications. Control was calculated relative to the untreated plots.