| Abstract: | The effect of pesticide delivery on the eficacy of equivalent rates of several insecticides was investigated by comparing broadcast foliar sprays to applications via drip irrigation in bell peppers, celery and cantaloupe. Oxamyl applied through the drip line controlled green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) in bell peppers, Capsicum annum L. ‘Tambel-2’, throughout the growing season, but did not control pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano populations. Foliar applications of oxamyl controlled both insects. Foliar applications of cyromazine controlled leafminers, Liriomyza spp. in bell peppers late in the growing season. Drip applications of cyromazine suppressed leafiminers early in the growing season, but were ineffective in later applications. In cantaloupe, Cucumis melo L. ‘Magnum 45’, populations of melon aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover were suppressed with oxamyl and oxydemeton-methyl, but foliar applications were significantlymore effective in achieving reductions. Oxamyl controlled leafmminers in cantaloupe with both application methods after the first evaluation, but control was superior with foliar applications at the second evaluation. Oxamyl suppressed populations of the western potato leafhopper, Empoasca abrupta DeLong in celery, Apium graveolens L. ‘5270’, using either delivery method. Oxamyl residues in drip-applied celery were higher than USA regulations would allow, thus the rate of application would have to be modified. A cost analysis comparing delivery systems indicated that a drip-applied insecticide application was much less expensive than a foliar application with air or ground equipment. However, control was limited to phloem-feeding insects, was slower in attainment, and at best, was equal to or less than that obtained with a foliar spray. |
