Comparison of a wind-assisted dispersal technique and aerial application for range caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) management

A ground application technique using wind-assisted dispersal effectively applied permethrin as a control tactic in the range caterpillar, Hemileuca oliviae Cockerell, integrated pest management program. Approximately 207 ha/h can be treated at a cost of ca. $0.31/ha for chemical and application. This technique is at least as efficient as aerial application and resulted in 3.74-fold more initial residue on grass when compared with aerial application at 5.6 and 2.8 g (AI)/ha of permethrin.