Leafminer, Armyworm and Tomato Pinworm Control on Fresh Market Tomatoes In West-Central Florida, Spring 1992

Abstract

Transplants were set 10 Feb, 15 inches apart on 8-inch-high by 30-inch wide beds of EauGallie fine sand covered with black polyethylene mulch. Each plot consisted of a single 15 ft row with rows on 5 ft centers. Plants were grown staked and were irrigated by seepage subirrigation. Insecticide treatments were replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design, applied with a 2.5 gal, hand-held CO2-powered sprayer on 19 Mar, 3, 9, 16, 23 Apr, 8, 15, 21 and 29 May. The sprayer was operated at 60 psi and delivered 60 gal/acre using a single nozzle fitted with a D-5 disk and #45 core. On 2 and 4 Jun, the number of leafrolls produced by larvae of the tomato pinworm was counted in a 4 minute search of each plot. On 4 Jun, the number of small (<0.5 inch long) and large (≥0.5 inch long Liriomyza) spp. leafmines was counted in a 1 minute search of selected treatments. Fruit was harvested on 14 and 26 May and the number and weight of undamaged fruit and the number and weight of fruit damaged by noctuid larvae [primarily the southern armyworm] were determined.