Evaluation of Selected Hopper Box and Seed Treatments for Control of Red Imported Fire Ant in Grain Sorghum, 1994

Abstract

The efficacy of selected insecticide treatments applied as in-furrow granules at planting (IFGAP), T-banded granules (TBAND) and seed treatments (SEEDT) was evaluated for control of the RIFA at the Macon Ridge Branch of the Northeast Research Station in Franklin Parish, LA. The test was planted no till with a John Deere 7300 planter into a bermuda grass sod containing a high density of RIFA mounds. Plots consisting of 4 rows (40 inch centers) by 30 ft were planted on 3 May in a RCB with 4 replications. RIFA no. were estimated on 1 Jun by placing an unruled index card (3X5 inches) baited with peanut butter in each plot and recording the no. of ants attracted after 3 h. No. of chinch bugs were obtained on 15 Jun by counting the no. per 20 plants in the 2 center rows. Plant stand densities were recorded on 31 May by sampling the entire 2 center rows in each plot. Plant heights were estimated on 31 May by measuring 20 plants in each plot. Intra-row plant skips were recorded on 13 Jun by counting the no. of skips > 12 inches per plot.