Coleus, Citrus Mealybug Control, 1977

On December 20’ 76, 120 plank of Coleusblumei were propagated by cutting inserted directly in Jiffy Mix in three-inch pots. After rooting occurred, one female adult mealybug was transferred from an infested plant to each of the coleus plants, which were two inches tall. Counts were made on February 7’77 of all nymphs and adult females on each plant. The plants were divided into 3 groups according to their meolybug population and distributed so that each treatment consisted of the same approximate number of mealybugs. The average number per plant was 200. Each treatment of 7 insecticides consisted of one rate applied to 5 plants with a 1.5 gal Chapin compressed-air sprayer until run-off. The temperature was 68°F and the relative humidity was 20% at the time of application. A control consisted of 15 plants sprayed with water. The plants were laid horizontally on the ground, sprayed, rototed 180° and sprayed again, then placed upright and sprayed from the top. Another count of the nymphs and female adults was taken on each plant 7 days after spraying. The plants were inspected 14 days after spraying for phytotoxicity and a count of mealybugs was taken again. The plants were hand watered each day.