Control of Tomato Pests on Tomatoes, Summer, 1992

Abstract

Greenhouse grown tomato plants (cv. ‘Sunny’) were transplanted into a Bernow fine sandy loam soil covered with black plastic mulch on 11 May at the Wes Watkins A.R.E.C., Lane, OK. Plots were 2.7 m long and one row wide with rows spaced 91 cm apart and plants spaced 46 cm apart within rows. Plots were separated by 3 m buffers within rows to minimize spray drift. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plants were trellised using the stake and weave method as needed and standard cultural practices were used throughout the trial. Treatments were applied on 30 Jun, 7, 14, 21, 28 Jul, 5, 13 and Aug using a CO2-powered backback sprayer. The sprayer, calibrated at 165 liters per acre, was equipped with two TX-18 spray nozzles spaced 45.6 cm apart. One pass down both sides of each plot was made with the boom positioned vertically to ensure adequate coverage of all foliage. Fruit was harvested on the following dates: 17, 23, 30 Jul, 7, 12, 17, 20 and 27 Aug. An average of 275 fruit per plot was produced during the harvest period. Each fruit was graded at harvest for TPW, TFW and thrips damage. Thrips damage was rated according to the following scale: 1 = none, 2 = slight, 3 = moderate, 4 = heavy and 5 = severe. Fruit rated three or higher were considered unmarketable. Fruit with any trace of TPW or TFW damage was considered unmarketable.