Proclaim® Insecticde Efficacy Against Cabbage Looper in Broccoli Experimental Use Permit Field Study

Abstract

Proclaim® insecticide (emamectin benzoate, MK -244, Merck Research Laboratories) was applied two times during the broccoli growing season for lepidoperous insect control. The primary pest was cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni CL) and very few beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). After the second application at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment (WAT), Proclaim reduced the number of CL in the broccoli relative to the untreated check. The number of large larvae observed in the Proclaim treated broccoli was one-half of that found in the untreated broccoli. Proclaim efficacy to reduce CL was comparable to the standard treatment of Larvin® (thiodicarb) plus Asana® (esfenvalerate). At harvest, the Proclaim treated broccoli had 20% infested crowns compared to 28% for the standard treatment and 44% in the untreated.