EFFICACY OF SELECTED COMPOUNDS FOR CONTROL OF TARNISHED PLANT BUGS (LYGUS LINEOLARIS) IN PHILLIPS COUNTY, ARKANSAS COTTON
Goodson,* R.1; Colwell, K.2; Lorenz III, G. M.3; Taillon, N.4; Von Kanel, B.5; Wilf, H.61County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Helena, AR, 72342
2Program Associate - Entomology, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Lonoke, AR, 72086
3Extension Entomologist Department Head, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Lonoke, AR, 72086
4Program Technician - Entomology, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Lonoke, AR, 72086
5Program Technician - Entomology, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Lonoke, AR, 72086
6Program Associate - Entomology, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Lonoke, AR, 72086
Abstract:
Due to the acceptance of Bt Technology in cotton production in Phillips County, the tarnished plant bug (TPB) (Lygus Lineolaris) has replaced the heliothis pest as the number one pest in the cotton crop. The TPB has become the predominant plant bug species in Arkansas and is considered an economical pest of cotton (Lorenz 2000). TPB feed by inserting their long needle-like mouthparts into tender terminals, squares and other tissues causing injured squares to turn dark and drop off, while damaged bolls may develop abnormally. The objective of these studies was to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides for the control of tarnished plant bugs in Arkansas cotton. A result demonstration for the control of TPB was conducted on the Pace Hinsley farm, near Marvell Arkansas in Southeast Phillip County during the summer of 2009. The demonstration was replicated four times in the field. Insect sampling was conducted by taking 2 drop cloth samples per plot with a standard 2.5 ft. black drop cloth (5 row ft. total per plot). Data from the demonstration was collected on 4 (4DAT) and 12 days (12DAT) after application. Without the addition of Bidrin (4 oz ai/a) Coragen (0.088 lb ai/ac) and Belt (3 oz ai/a) alone, exhibited less control at 4DAT. However, they were still significantly better than the untreated check. And at 12DAT only the Coragen alone exhibited less control than the other products. All products were exhibited significant better control than the untreated check at both 4 and 12 DAT