Evaluation of Flight Control (TM) and Mesurol (R) as repellents to reduce horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) damage to lettuce seedlings

We conducted enclosure trials near Huron, CA in the San Joaquin Valley from 12 to 23 January 1999 to determine the efficacy of Flight Control(TM) (50% anthraquinone) and Mesurol(R) (75% methiocarb) in preventing horned lark d amage to lettuce seedlings. Flight Control(TM) (FC) and Mesurol(R) were eva luated as foliar sprays at application rates of 2.79 and 2.27 kg ha(-1), re spectively. Horned lark damage to lettuce seedlings treated with antraquino ne was greater (p = 0.015) than for methiocarb(R), 60 versus 20%, respectiv ely, and seedlings in control plots were 100% destroyed. While this level o f damage is probably unacceptable to lettuce growers, it should be remember ed that the enclosure situation caused an artificially high bird pressure o n the crop. Further studies in open fields under a more normal bird pressur e are warranted. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.