Comparison of insecticide use programs for managing the striped cucumber beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in muskmelon

Abstract

A scheduled, weekly spray program was compared with a program that determined the need for treatment based on sampling (threshold) and an untreated control for management of the striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum (F.), a vector of the pathogen that causes bacterial wilt in muskmelon. Treatments were compared at 2 locations during 2 yr for their effects on prevention of bacterial wilt, melon yield, and net income. Insecticides were applied in the threshold treatment whenever beetle populations reached or exceeded a threshold of 0.5 beetle per plant before melon fruit appeared, and 1 beetle per plant when fruit set. Yields in the threshold treatment were equal to or better than the schedule treatment at 3 of the 4 study sites. The threshold treatment generated higher net income than the other treatments. In addition to economic considerations, the use of fewer insecticide sprays for striped cucumber beetle management is favorable for protecting natural enemies, insect pollinators, and prolonging the usefulness of a limited number of insecticides registered for use on muskmelon by reducing selection for resistance.