Jim Pitts

LATE-SEASON CATERPILLAR CONTROL IN TOMATOES USING BIOINSECTICIDE PREMIXES AND TANK-MIXES, 2013

The basic objective of this experiment was to evaluate organic-approved bioinsecticides against the caterpillar complex in Alabama. The overall goal was to determine the effectiveness of multiple applications of bioinsecticides specifically for fruit protection in tomatoes. Typical caterpillar pests of tomatoes in Alabama consist of THW, TFW, and BAW. In 2013, experiments were conducted at the Chilton Research and Extension Center (Clanton, AL) and the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (Cullman, AL) to evaluate bioinsecticidal treatments as tank-mixes or as premixes (Table 1). At both locations, tomatoes were transplanted mid-Jun in 20 ft (6 m long) plots and bioinsecticide treatments were initiated at weekly intervals during August as shown in Table 1 to protect the developing fruits. Each test plot consisted of two tomato rows (20 plants per plot). Bioinsecticidal treatments and an untreated check were replicated four times in a RCB design. All foliar treatments were applied using standard CO2 backpack sprayers. Drench application of neem oil was done by pouring appropriate amount of dissolved formulation at the base of plants. Fruit damage assessment, involving counting of feeding holes on 10 random fruits per plot, was completed at 7DAT2 and 7DAT4. Data shown in table indicates the percent damaged or unmarketable fruit (at least one feeding hole). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD procedures (LSD; P=0.05).