Evaluation of Merit 75Wsp for Extended Management of Black Cutworm on Creeping Bentgrass at University Park, Pennsylvania, 1995
Abstract Treatment plots were 10 X 8 ft, arranged in a RCB design, replicated 4 times. Liquid formulations were applied by using a CO2 compressed air sprayer with 6 8O02VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on an 8 ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and applied in 756 ml of water/80 ft2 or delivering 2.5 gal/1,000 ft2. At treatment time (14 Jun), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 72°F; soil temperature at 1 inch depth, 78°F; soil temperature at 2 inch depth, 70°F; RH, 62%; amount of thatch, 0.125 inch; soil textural class, sandy loam; soil particle size analysis: 73.9% sand, 21.0% silt, 5.1% clay; soil moisture (oven dry weight), 31.6%; organic matter, 5.4%; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 6.6; time of application, mid morning; and clear skies. The area received 0.2 inch of irrigation immediately after treatment (14 Jun). Efficacy data was recorded on nine sampling dates (23 Jun, 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 23 Aug, 8 Sep, 13 Sep) by counting the number of black cutworm larvae flushed to the surface within a 1.0 yd2 wood frame sampling area using a soap irritant drench of 15 ml Lemon Joy™dishwashing detergent in 2 gal of water.