Laboratory Screening of Granular Soil Insecticides for Control of Sugarcane Beetle in Field Corn, 1982

Seven granular soil insecticides labeled for control of corn rootworm were tested for effectiveness against the sugarcane beetle. Treatments consisted of the amounts of each material that would be applied to 6 in of row at the labeled rate and at 2.0 times the labeled rate for corn rootworm control. All treatments were replicated 4 times. Treatments were applied by hand to soil in 6-in plastic pots in a manner that approximated 7-in band applications in the field. Insecticides were sprinkled onto the soil surface and covered with 1/4 in of soil and watered. Pots were again watered 6 days post treatment. Ten sugarcane beetles were introduced into each pot 9 days after treatment. Beetles were observed until all had burrowed into the soil. The pots were then covered with cardboard lids fitted with 1/8 in hardware cloth screening. Lids were secured on the pots by placing a length of 2 x 4 lumber on top of and across the lined up pots. The bottom of the pots were covered with 4 layers of aluminum foil to prevent beetles from escaping through drain holes. Pots were emptied, the soil sifted and the number of living and dead beetles counted 6 days after beetle introduction. Sugarcane beetles used in the experiments were collected at blacklight traps and held in the laboratory for 10-15 days prior to use in the experiment. The soil used in the experiments was a silt-sand, recent alluvial soil, obtained from the immediate bank of the Mississippi River.