Colorado Potato Beetle Control, 1986

Abstract

Abstract Potatoes were planted 7 May at the MSU Montcalm Potato Research Farm. Plots were 3 rows wide (34-inch spacing) by 40 ft, with 3 ft of buffer zone before the next plot. Two untreated rows were left between adjacent plots. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 blocks per treatment. Treatments were applied at planting, as a side-dress with fertilizer at hilling (28 May) or as weekly foliar treatments from 25 Jun to 6 Aug. Foliar treatments were applied with a tractor-mounted boom sprayer at 30 gal/acre, 40 psi, with a cluster of 3 nozzles over each of the 3 rows. One nozzle was pointed down directly over the top, with the other 2 directed at the sides of the plants. Weekly insect counts (17 Jun to 5 Aug) were made from 2 randomly selected plants in the center row of each plot. On 10 Jul Cygon was sprayed on all plots to control potato leafhoppers. On 17 and 30 Jul the plots were rated for Colorado potato beetle damage. Yields were taken from center row of each plot on 26 and 27 Aug.</jats:p