Early Season Control of Southern Corn Rootworm in Field Corn with Granular Soil Insecticides, 1982

Six granular soil insecticides registered for control of larvae of the southern corn rootworm were evaluated at 2 rates in Louisiana. ‘Pioneer 3369-A’ field corn was used in the test. The corn was planted Jun 7 at the LSU St Gabriel Agricultural Experiment Station, Iberville parish. Insecticides were applied using a 2-row ,)ohn Deere Model 71 Flexi-Planter, modified to carry pt jars of insecticide. The jars were inverted above funnels connected by flexible delivery tubes to either a 7-in band or in-furrow applicator to obtain the desired placedment of insecticide. The diameter of a single central hole in the lid of each jar determined the rate of insecticide flow. Banded insecticides were applied ahead of the press wheel and were further incorporated by a drag chain attached to the rear of the planter. Corn seeds were planted in a conventional manner at the same time as insecticide application. A completely randomized block design was used with 4 replications. Each treatment consisted of two 50-ft rows spaced 36 in apart. Twenty-ft alleys separated each replication. Treatments were evaluated by counting dead and dying and undamaged plants in 50 ft of row. Evaluation was done on May 10, 33 days post planting. The soil type at the test site is a clay-loam, Mississippi River alluvial soil with moderate to poor drainage.