Early Season Control of Southern Corn Rootworm in Field Corn, 1981

Soil insecticides to control larvae of the southern corn rootworm were evaluated in 2 tests in LA. In Test 1, ‘Pioneer 3147’ was planted Apr 15 and in Test 2, ‘Pioneer 3369-A’ was planted Apr 28. The tests were conducted at the LSU St. Gabriel Agricultural Experiment Station, Iberville Parish. Insecticides were applied using a 2 row John Deere Model 71 FIexi-PIanter, modified by positioning pint jars, calibrated to deliver the desired rates of insecticides, above the delivery tubes. Corn seeds were planted in a conventional manner at the same time. Banded materials were applied ahead of the press wheel with no further incorporation. A completely randomized block design was used with 4 replications. Each treatment consisted of 2 x 50 ft rows spaced 36 inches apart. Twenety ft alleys separated each replication. Treatments were evaluated by counting dead and dying, and undamaged plants in 40 ft of row. Evaluation of both tests was conducted May 11, 25 and 13 days post-planting, respectively. The soil type at both test sites is a clay-loam, Mississippi River alluvial soil having moderate to poor drainage.