Flea Beetle Control, 1997

Abstract Materials were applied on 11 Jun to 20- by 20 ft-plots in bearing blueberry fields at Jonesport (Test 1) and Township 19 (Test 2), Maine. There were 3 (Test 1) or 4 (Test 2) replications of each treatment and a minimum 5-ft untreated buffer strip around each plot. Treatments were blocked according to prespray population levels. Insecticides were applied at a rate of 25 gpa using a CO2-propelled 80-inch boom sprayer, with 4, flat-spray 80002VS TeeJet® nozzles operating at 35 psi. At treatment, larvae were mid- to late instar and plants were at full bloom. On sampling dates indicated in the table, 10 sweeps with a standard 12-inch sweep-out were taken systematically through the center area of each plot avoiding plot boundaries. Any FB larvae were counted and then distributed back into the same plot. For Test 1, on each of 2 dates (12 and 18 Jun), 20 FB larvae were collected from a plot which had been treated with Mycotrol ES. The larvae were surface disinfected with zephiran chloride, maintained in the laboratory, and observed for sporulation of Beauveria bassiana. No usual weather conditions were observed during the trial.