Compatibility of Fertilizer and Neonicotinoid Soil Applications for Whitefly Control in Spring Cantaloupes

Studies were conducted in the spring of 2001 and 2002 to evaluate the interaction between starter and side dress fertilizer mixes with neonicotinoid insecticides and their performance against whiteflies in spring cantaloupes in Yuma, AZ. No incompatibility was observed between the fertilizers and the Admire and Platinum mixtures applied at planting and side dress, and both insecticides provided comparable control of whitefly populations regardless of fertilizer used. However, based on our experience in 2001, we suggest that growers use a dilute mixture with the final applied volume to avoid any potential "clumping" problems in the mix tank. In some cases the addition of the DuneUp® starter fertilizer appeared to improve plant growth, but was probably more due to the unique mixture of NPK rather than the combination with the insecticides. Based on the results of these studies growers should not hesitate to apply either Admire or Platinum with starter and side dress fertilizers in melon crops.