Comparisons of Lorsban 4E and Spinosad 4SC for Control of Summer Insects in Alfalfa

Abstract

Anew chemistry (Spinosad 4SC) was tested for control of beet armyworm and other summers insects in alfalfa. This product did not control beet armyworms as well as the top of label rate of Lorsban 4E, and at one day post treatment had more beet armyworms than the lowest rate of Lorsban tested At three days post treatment both rates of Spinosad 4SC had fewer beet armyworms than the lowest rate of Lorsban tested. Few differences were noted between Spinosad 4SC for beet armyworm control, although fewer alfalfa caterpillars were noted with usage of the higher Spinosad rate, although significantly more beneficial insects were noted at three days post treatment with the lower rate of Spinosad. Lorsban chemistries significantly lowered yellows and hopperburn damage ratings compared with other treatments and a difference was noted between the two Spinosad rates although Empoasca sp. leafhopper numbers were similar.