FIELD APPLICATION OF BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS AND ANAGRAPHA-FALCIFERA MULTIPLE NUCLEOPOLYHEDROVIRUS AGAINST THE CORN-EARWORM, (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE)

Field evaluations were made of relative efficacy of 2 subspecies of Ba cillus thuringiensis Berliner and Anagrapha falcifera multiple nucleop olyhedrovirus (AfMNPV) to control Helicoverpa tea (Boddie) on corn ear s. Also, the compatibility of a starch-based additive-a 1:1 mixture of starch (Mirasperse) and sucrose-was determined when added to the ento mopathogens. Applications of the 3 pathogens significantly decreased t he percentage of ears damaged by H. tea and increased the percentage o f ears with no damage and marketable ears. AfMNPV was as good as or be tter than the B. thuringiensis products in protecting the corn ear. Th e starch additive was determined to be compatible with the pathogens b ut did not enhance their activity.