New Insecticide Alternatives for Aphid Management in Head Lettuce

Abstract

Several new insecticide was compared to Admire and Provado combinations for management of aphids in head lettuce in Yuma in two trials conducted in 1998. Foliar applications of Provado, Fulllfill, Aphistar and Acetamiprid appear to provide an alternative method of controlling aphids on lettuce comparable to prophylactic applications of Admire. In addition, at planting and side dress soil applications of thimethoxam provided aphid control comparable to Admire. The prevention of aphid colonization in lettuce heads with the foliar alternatives may depend greatly on the timing and frequency of applications before harvest occurs. Residual activity of the new foliar alternatives ranged from at least 7-14 days. These studies suggest that more than one application of the foliar products will be necessary to adequately suppress aphid contamination in heads. Evaluations of thiamethoxam suggest that it is more mobile in the soil than Admire and may be a candidate for side dress applications for aphid management.