Potato Insect Control with Foliar Sprays, 1978

Uncut 'Pungo' Irish potatoes (size B) were planted, 10-in spacing in 3-ft rows, on Jul 24. Treatment plots were replicated 4 times in a randomized block design. Each plot consisted of a single, 25-ft long row bordered on each side by an untreated row. The sprays were applied with a D. B. Smith 5-gal, knapsack, hand-operated, compressed-air sprayer at the rate of 100 gal/acre (40 psi) using a D. B. Smith #E-147 adjustable cone nozzle. Applications were on Aug 21, 28; Sep 5, 12, 21; Oct 2, 12, 19 and 26. In evaluating the various insecticidal treatments; the number of potato beetle larvae, beet armyworms and European corn borers were recorded/10 hills of potatoes. Efficacy against the leafminers was determined by counting the total number of mines/10 hills. The potatoes were harvested on Nov 14.