INORGANIC COLLOID GEL WITH OXAMYL FOR CONTROL OF LEPTINOTARSA-DECEMLINEATA (COLEOPTERA, CHRYSOMELIDAE) IN FLUID-DRILLED TOMATOES

Field trials were conducted in 1981 and 1982 with oxamyl (Vydate L) ad ded to a 1.5% Laponite(R) organic colloid gel and pregerminated tomato seed for protection from Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa deceml ineata (Say). Rates of 1.12 or 2.24 kg (AI)/ha of oxamyl in the gel mi xture with the seed resulted in significantly fewer Colorado potato be etle larvae, significantly less percentage plant defoliation caused by Colorado potato beetles, and significantly higher yields each year. N o significant differences between the oxamyl rates were observed for a ny parameter each year, and no phytotoxicity as a result of the insect icide was observed. The benefits of a fluid-gel-oxamyl mixture in an i ntergrated pest management program for Colorado potato beetle on tomat oes are discussed.