Sugarcane Rootstalk Borer Weevil Regulatory Treatment in Ornamental Plants, 1982

Tests were conducted to develop a potting soil amendment to prevent movement of Diaprepes abbreviatus larvae in ornamental plants. Heptachlor is presently used in the potting soil for ornamental plants produced in the weevil areas. Lindane was mixed with Terra-lite Metro Mix, a commercial potting soil containing Canadian sphagnum peat moss, domestic horticultural vermiculite, processed, bark, composted pine bark, and washed granite sand in March. The rates/acre were computed on a 6-in depth acre with 800 yd of treated soil/acre. Coral Ardisia, Ardisia crispa, an ornamental plant that supports development of D. abbreviatus was planted in 6-in pots, and 20 plants/treatment were used. Plants were infested with 100 first stage larvae 4 mo after treatment and the soil examined for larvae 2 mo later. Plants wepe maintained in a covered screen enclosure.