Evaluation of oxamyl as a transplant drench application and multiple foliar sprays for control of Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on tomato in Maryland and New Jersey

Field tests in Maryland and New Jersey were conducted to determine the effectiveness of oxamyl (Vydate 2 liquid [2L]) applied as a transplant drench or as multiple foliar sprays for control of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), on tomato. Rates of 0.56 or 1.12 kg (AI)/ha applied as a single-treatment drench at transplant or as four or five foliar sprays were effective in reducing the number of CPB and the number of stemmed plants, and it reduced the percentage defoliation caused by CPB. The transplant drench (0.56 and 1.12 kg [AI]/ha) resulted in higher first-pick yields (N.J.) in 1984 and 1985, demonstrating the need to protect young tomato transplants from early-season damage by the CPB. The potential for Vydate 2L as a transplant drench application is discussed