Residual Efficacy and Field Performance of Thiacloprid (Calypso) Against Whiteflies in Melons

Studies were conducted to compare the residual field efficacy of Calypso, compared with soil applications of Admire and foliar sprays of Provado and Actara. The results demonstrate that several insecticide product uses are being developed that offer melon growers management alternatives for controlling whiteflies comparable to what they have experienced with Admire. Calypso showed excellent promise as a foliar, post-planting spray with good residual activity. Two spray applications provided good whitefly control and excellent crop and melon quality. Although we saw a measurable impact on some natural enemies, the compound is supposedly very safe to honeybees. Overall, when directed at low adult and immature densities, Calypso provided 14-21 days of residual control and was capable of preventing yield and quality losses in spring melons. These studies also emphasize, that like the IGRs, these foliar neonicotinoids should be used when whiteflies densities are low and beginning to build. This compound may be available as early as 2002.