Control of European Corn Borer in Bell Peppers with Chlorantraniliprole Applied Through a Drip Irrigation System

Abstract

The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the most important pest of bell peppers in New Jersey and weekly applications of insecticide sprays are needed to control this pest. Most pepper production (up to 80%) utilizes black plastic mulch with drip irrigation and high wooden stakes, limiting pesticide application equipment. A new chemistry insecticide, chlorantraniliprole, is highly soil systemic, very soluble, and effective against ECB at very low rates. Because of these properties, a 3-year study was undertaken beginning in 2004 and continuing in 2005 and 2007 applying chlorantraniliprole through a drip irrigation system in bell peppers for control of the ECB. Each year, on every harvest date examined, chlorantraniliprole injected through a drip irrigation system at either 0.05 or 0.07 kg·ha−1 was as effective, or more effective, in reducing percentage of ECB-infested peppers than a standard grower pesticide program of two applications of acephate followed by several applications of indoxycarb. All treatments resulted in significantly fewer ECB-infested peppers at harvest compared with untreated on all dates recorded each year.