Comparison of Neonicotinoid Use Patterns for Silverleaf Whitefly Management in Melons and Broccoli

Abstract

Studies were conducted in 1998 and 1999 to evaluate three neonicotinoid insecticides for control of silverleaf whiteflies in melons and broccoli plots at the Yuma Agricultural Center. The results of these studies demonstrate that these insecticide uses offer vegetable growers management alternatives for controlling whiteflies comparable to what they have experienced with Admire®. In our spring trials, we applied Platinum® at planting, as a split application, and as a sidedress application. All methods provided whitefly efficacy similar to that provided by Admire. However, the split and sidedress applications provided more consistent residual control than Platinum applied at planting. Because of the mobility of the product in the soil, growers may have more flexibility for effectively applying the material post-planting. In addition, Assail, was applied as a foliar spray at various densities. Under spring growing conditions, applications of Assail provided significant whitefly control when initiated at low densities. Under high whitefly densities on fall melons and broccoli, application of Assail was capable of significantly reducing existing immature populations. These evaluations suggests that Platinum and Assail may be promising alternatives to Admire. We presume that it may allow growers to use the product in a responsive manner as a side dress (Platinum) or as a foliar (Assail) rather than having to rely on prophylactic Admire applications at planting.