Control of Colorado Potato Beetle in Direct Seeded Tomatoes with Systemic Insecticides, 1976

Chico III and Campbell 28 tomatoes were seeded in alternating rows. Chico III tomatoes were planted on May 20 and Campbell 28 tomatoes were planted on May 24. The Chico III tomatoes served as buffer rows and were planted early so as to encourage an infestation of Colorado potato beetle. All tomatoes were direct seeded in the field with a Planet Jr. Plots consisted of a single row of tomatoes 45 ft long, buffered on each side by a guard row. Distance between rows was 6 ft. When plants were 2-3 inches tall they were thinned so as to provide clumps of 3 tomato plants spaced 12 inches apart. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. All treatments were applied preplans in an 18 inch band using a small push type Gandy applicator. They were incorporated into the top 3-5 inches of soil with a rototiller. Soil temp at the 4 inch depth at the time of treatment was 70°F. The treatment rows were seeded with Campbell 28 tomatoes the same day (May 24) that insecticides were applied. Soil was classified as a Norfolk “A” loamy sand. When plants were 3-4 inches tall, 10 plants were selected at.random in each plot and rated visually to the nearest 10% defoliation. Yield data were taken from a 10 ft section in the center of each plot. Yield data from 6 different harvest dates were combined and reported in tons/acre. Plots were irrigated when moisture was below normal.