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Insect Control

Regular field scouting is one of the most important aspects of effective insect control. See Potato Production in the Northeast: A Guide to IPM, UMass pub#C-178.

NOTE: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, days to harvest (dh), REI, and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 20 and Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

Aphids

Green peach, melon or potato aphid may occur in potato, colonizing fields from mid June through July. See Pepper from more details on green peach aphid and Cucumber for more details on melon aphid. Potato aphid is the largest aphid of the three, 3-4 mm long, and may be pink or green. Cornicles are the same as the body color with dark tips. Plants of the rose family serve as alternate hosts to potato aphid in fall and spring. A wide range of weeds, field crops and vegetable crops are hosts in summer. In potato they feed first in young growing tips, spreading downward into older leaves. Injury includes leaf deformity and dieback.

Aphids spread viruses to seed and tablestock potatoes, which can reduce yields and quality. High populations of aphids can cause foliage to decline.

Plant disease-free certified seed. Use selective or systemic insecticides for Colorado potato beetle to conserve natural enemies of aphids. Avoid products that are highly toxic to bees, see Table 20 for bee toxicity ratings.

Fields should be scouted for aphids starting in late June. Examine aphids/leaf on 50 fully grown compound leaves (5 leaves at ten locations in the field) from top, middle and bottom of the canopy. In fresh market and processing potato, the thresholds for insecticide application is when an average of five aphids per leaf are present, or 10 per leaf within two weeks of vine kill. In Maine, the economic threshold for tablestock and processing fields is when aphids are found on 50 percent of the plants or one winged aphid is found within the field.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 to 4 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4).

azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5): 5 to 7 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 18). Suppression and adult feeding deterrent. OMRI listed.

clothianidin (Belay): 1.9 to 2.8 oz/A (for foliar application), 7.2 to 12 oz/A (furrow or side-dress) (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). Toxic to bees exposed to treatment and for more than 5 days following treatment. Do not use foliar spray after a soil application. Soil application may be at planting or as a side-dress at ground-crack during hilling (cover with at least 3" of soil).

dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 to 16 oz/A (0 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B).

dinotefuran (Venom 20SG): 7 dry oz/A foliar or 1.4 to 1.65 lbs/A soil (7 dh foliar, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use foliar spray after soil application or following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop.

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A (1 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 dry oz/A (7 dh, REI 12, Group 9C).

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.17 to 0.35 oz/100 lb seed or 3.5 to 7 oz/A (seed piece treatment), 5.7 to 8.7 furrow or banded application (REI 12h, Group 4A). Do not make subsequent application of nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment.

imidacloprid + mancozeb (Gaucho MZ): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/100 lb seed-pieces (REI 24h, Group 4A). Systemic seed-piece treatment. Do not make subsequent application of another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment. Aids in control of aphids. Not registered in CT or VT.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use a Provado foliar application following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop. Controls melon aphid and other potato infesting aphids. See plant-back restrictions.

insecticidal soap (M-Pede): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water (0 dh, REI 12h). Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. Repeated applications may be required. Apply with companion aphicide. OMRI listed.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1 to 1 1/2 pt/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 1B).

methamidophos (Monitor* 4): 1 1/2 to 2 pt/A (14 dh, REI 4d, Group 1B). Does not control melon aphid (MA).

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 24 to 48 oz/A (6 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Only effective against melon aphid (MA). May not be compatible with tin-based fungicides on some varieties.

oxamyl (Vydate* L): 1 to 2 qt/A (7 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A).

phorate (Thimet* 20G): 8.5 to 11.3 oz/1,000 row feet for sandy soils, 13 to 17.3 oz/1,000 ft. row in heavy or clay soils (90 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). On sandy soils, may also be applied 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Distribute granules in the furrow or band on each side of the row.

pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 to 5.5 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 9A). Selective control of aphids including potato, melon and green peach. Translaminar. Apply at threshold, before populations build up.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal (0.5 dh, REI 12h, Group 25). Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. CT only.

spirotetramat (Movento): 4-5 oz/A (7 dh, REI 24 h, Group 23). Immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Foliar spray.

thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS): 0.11 to 0.16 oz/100 lb of seed (REI 12h, Group 4). See rates based on row spacing on label. Systemic seed treatment. For early-season protection from aphids.

thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 8 oz/A (30 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Systemic insecticide applied to seed pieces in--furrow during planting, impregnated on dry granular fertilizer, or as directed spray at plant emergence or during last hilling operation. Must incorporate into root zone with sufficient irrigation within 24 hours. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.

Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB)

Colorado potato beetles (CPB) are 1/2” long by 3/8” wide, oval with a rounded back, and each forewing is yellow with five black stripes. CPB overwinters in the adult stage, primarily in soil (up to 12 inches deep) in the woods and brushy borders next to host crops, though some burrow into soil in the field. In spring the beetles search for food plants by walking from the field edges. Heavy feeding may occur on edges on non-rotated fields. If beetles do not find host plants via walking they will fly in search of food.

In the Northeast, CPB survives on solanaceous crops and weeds, including horsenettle, nightshade, eggplant, potato and tomato (primarily seedlings). Once host plants are found adults feed, mate and lay clumps of 30-35 bright yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days, depending on temperature. The larva is hump-backed, rusty-red with two rows of black dots along each side of its body. Feeding damage and larvae are easily seen on leaves. Larvae grow through four stages and reach 5/8” long before they drop to the soil and pupate. Because the last stage does 85% of the feeding damage it is critical to control larvae while they are small. Adults emerge from pupae after 10-14 days. In southern New England there is second generation of eggs, larvae and adults, while northern New England there is one generation.

Cultural controls. The single most important tactic for CPB management is to rotate potatoes, eggplant and tomato to a field that is at least 200 yards from the previous year’s fields. Barriers such as roads, rivers, woodlands, and fields with other crops are helpful. This single practice delays colonization and reduces population densities.

Mechanical barriers such as trench traps, trap crops and straw mulch also delay and reduce infestation. Install plastic-lined trench traps next to overwintering sites at least one week before adults emerge. Trenches should be 1’ to 2’ deep and 6” to 24” wide at the top. They can be U- or V-shaped with side walls sloping at angles between 65° and 90°. Beetles walking from field borders fall into the trench and cannot fly out. Perimeter trap crops may be potatoes planted earlier than the main crop to attract beetles before the main crop emerges, or planted between overwintering sites and this season’s crop. Flame, vacuum or spray border crop before beetles move into the main crop. Another approach is to plant three to five rows of potatoes treated with a systemic insecticide in a perimeter around the field; this treated border will kill up to 80% of the colonizing beetles. Straw mulch around the host crop has been shown to reduce beetle numbers. Late planting may cause beetles to leave the field before potatoes emerge, resulting in lower beetle numbers.

Natural enemies that attack CPB eggs or larvae include twelve-spotted ladybeetle, spined soldier bug, a carabid beetle, Lebia grandis and a parasistic tachinid fly. Beauvaria bassiana has been shown to suppress beetle populations though it does not provide immediate control.

Colorado potato beetles rapidly develop resistance to insecticides. This can happen in as short a time as one year and is likely whenever a single class of insecticide is used multiple times against the same population in the same and succeeding years. The population on a single farm may develop resistance in response to management practices on that farm. Resistance to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids exists in parts of New England.

Wherever possible, growers should rotate classes of insecticides and avoid using the same chemistry more than once per year, or better, once every other year. Do not use the same chemical class on successive generations in the same year. There are enough different classes to allow this, if you plan carefully. Note the resistance group number of each insecticides and avoid using chemistries from the same group. Use newer chemistries first.

Do not try to kill every beetle in the field. Potato crops can withstand 15% defoliation without affecting yields. Avoid spraying the beetle in late season, as food reserves in the foliage two weeks prior to senescence add little to final tuber bulking.

Scout to determine whether or not a damaging population is present. When using products that control only larvae, scout for eggs, note egg hatch and apply controls before larvae reach third instar. For materials that control all stages, you may wait and scout for adults and larvae to determine the need to apply insecticides.

To use the threshold table below, walk the field in a V-shaped pattern and select 50 potato stalks at intervals, e.g., every 10 to 20 paces, depending on field size. Count adults, large larvae (greater than half-grown) and small larvae (less than half-grown) separately. If the number of CPB is high, an insecticide should be applied; if the number is low, no insecticide is required for that week. If the number of CPB is between high and low, no insecticide should be applied, but the field should be checked in three to five days. Otherwise, the field should be checked weekly. These thresholds are for mid-season. Late in the season, potato plants can tolerate more defoliation without affecting yields.

Action Thresholds

Life Stage	No. of CPB per 50 stalks
	Low	High
Adults	15 or fewer	25 or more
Small Larvae	75 or fewer	200 or more
Large larvae	30 or fewer	75 or more

abamectin (AgriMek* 0.15EC): 8 to 16 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 6). Make first application at 50% egg hatch. Do not make more than 2 applications per crop.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 1.5 to 4 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). For resistance management, use a nicotinoid (group 4) insecticide on only one generation every other year.

azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5): 7 to 16 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 18). Insect growth regulator for small larvae. OMRI listed.

Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol O): 16 to 32 oz/A (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 22). Treat when populations are low and thoroughly cover foliage. Takes 7 to 10 days after the first spray to see control. Repeat applications may be needed. May be tank mixed with Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis. OMRI listed.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 5 oz/A (14 dh, REI 4h, Group 28). May be applied through overhead sprinkler irrigation.

cryolite (Kryocide): 10 to 12 lb/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 9B). Not effective against the adult beetle. DO NOT apply more than 96 lb/A per season. Application to exposed tubers may result in excess residues. This material can cause extensive wear of nozzles.

cyromazine (Trigard): 2.66 to 5.32 dry oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group, 17). Insect growth regulator for small larvae just after egg hatch. Does not control adult beetles. Low rate will provide suppression only.

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

dinotefuran (Venom 20SG): 7 dry oz/A foliar or 1.4 to 1.65 lbs/A soil (7 dh foliar, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use foliar spray after soil application or following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop. For resistance management, use a nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide on only one generation every other year.

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A (1 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.17 to 0.35 oz/100 lb seed or 3.5 to 7 oz/A (seed treatment), 5.7 to 8.7 oz/A furrow or banded application (REI 12h, Group 4A). Resistance to this material has developed in some potato growing regions of New England. Where it is still effective, prevent resistance development by restricting its use to lands where the beetle has routinely been a major problem, and by using a nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide on only one generation every other year. DO NOT use two years in a row on the same lands. See plant-back restrictions on label. Does not control European corn borer.

imidacloprid + mancozeb (Gaucho MZ): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/100 lb seed-pieces (REI 24h, Group 4A). Systemic seed-piece treatment. Do not make subsequent application of another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment. Aids in control of CPB. Not registered in CT or VT.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12, Group 4A). Resistance to this material has developed in some potato growing regions of New England. Where it is still effective, prevent resistance development by avoiding use of a Provado foliar application following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop. For resistance management, use a nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide on only one generation every other year. Moderately effective against aphids and leafhopper. See plant-back restrictions on label.

indoxacarb (Avaunt): 3.5 to 6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 22). Efficacy may be improved by the addition of piperonyl butoxide (PBO).

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

methamidophos (Monitor* 4): 1 1/2 to 2 pt/A (14 dh, REI 4d, Group 1B).

novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 16B). No more than two applications per season. Insect growth regulator. Best used on early instars. No activity against adult CPB or beneficials.

oxamyl (Vydate* L): 1 to 4 pt/A (7 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Use when air temperature is greater than 80°F.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

phorate (Thimet* 20G): 8.5 to 11.3 oz/1,000 row feet for sandy soils, 13 to 17.3 oz/1,000 ft. row in heavy or clay soils (90 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). On sandy soils, may also be applied 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Distribute granules in the furrow or band on each side of the row. Early-season only.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 8 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). For resistance management, do not use a Group 5 insecticide (spinosad or spinetoram) more than once per year.

spinosad (Entrust): 1 to 2 oz/A (7dh, REI 4h, Group 5). Controls adult and larvae. For resistance management, do not use a Group 5 insecticide (spinosad or spinetoram) more than once per year. OMRI listed.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Foliar spray. For resistance management, use nicotinoid insecticides (Group 4) on only one generation every other year.

thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS): 0.11 to 0.16 fl. oz/100 lbs of seed (REI 12h, Group 4). See rates based on row spacing on label. Systemic seed treatment. For early-season protection from CPB. For resistance management, use a nicotinoid (Group 4) insecticide on only one generation every other year.

thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 8 oz/A (30 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Systemic insecticide applied to seed pieces in-furrow during planting, impregnated on dry granular fertilizer, or as directed spray at plant emergence or during last hilling operation. Must incorporate into root zone with sufficient irrigation within 24 hours. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray. For resistance management, use a nicotinoid (Group 4) insecticide on only one generation every other year.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 3.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

Cutworms

Caterpillars hide under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day and feed after dark. Larvae may feed on leaves, cut stems or even occasionally feed on tubers. For best results, make application between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground. Synthetic pyrethroids (Group 3A) may work best during cool spring weather. See cutworms in the Pepper and Tomato (Outdoor) sections for more information on the black and variegated cutworms.

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTari): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 11). Must be ingested; apply in evening before larvae are actively feeding and direct sprays to base of stem. Use high rate at cool temperatures. OMRI listed.

Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DF): 0.5 to 1 lb/A (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 11). Must be ingested; apply in evening before larvae are actively feeding and direct sprays to base of stem. Use high rate at cool temperatures. OMRI listed.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 0.8 to 1.6 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

carbaryl (10% Sevin Granules): 20 lb/A (3 dh fresh, 21 dh dry, REI 12h, Group 1A). Apply evenly over soil surface.

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1 to 2.4 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 1.9 to 3.2 oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

methamidophos (Monitor* 4): 1 1/2 to 2 pt/A (14 dh, REI 4d, Group 1B).

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 24 oz/A (6 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Variegated cutworm only.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 1.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

European Corn Borer

Larvae infest potato stems but rarely cause yield reductions. Higher levels of stem infestations have been associated with a higher incidence of blackleg. For more information on ECB, see the sweet corn section.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 5 oz/A (14 dh, REI 4h, Group 28). May be applied through overhead sprinkler irrigation.

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1.5 to 2 lb/A (1 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

indoxacarb (Avaunt): 3.5 to 6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 22).

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

methamidophos (Monitor* 4): 1 1/2 to 2 pt/A (14 dh, REI 4d, Group 1B).

novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 16B). No more than two applications per season. Insect growth regulator.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 8 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5).

spinosad (Entrust): 1 to 2 oz/A (7 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). OMRI listed.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 1.9 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

Flea Beetles

Shiny black beetles less than 1/8” long. Adults spend the winter under plant residue along tree lines or in the field. In the early spring they feed on solanaceous weeds until they move to potato or other solanaceous crops. Numerous tiny feeding “shot holes” can injure leaves and stunt young plants. Management practices include clean cultivation, crop rotation, delayed plantings, removing or avoiding spring weed hosts, use of row covers, and applying spot treatments targeting young potato plants along the field edges. Full size plants rarely require treatment for flea beetles. Most insecticides registered to control CPB, including spinosad, will control FB. Sweep young plants 25 times and spot treat potatoes along field edges if 50 beetles are found in the sweep net.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 1.5 to 2.5 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4).

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1/2 to 1 qt/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 1A).

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A (1 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Apply when temperature is less than 80°F and when foliage is free from dew or other moisture.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.17 to 0.35 oz/100 lb seed or 3.5 to 7 oz/A (seed piece treatment), 5.7 to 8.7 furrow or banded application (REI 12h, Group 4A). Do not make subsequent application of nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment.

imidacloprid + mancozeb (Gaucho MZ): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/100 lb seed-pieces (REI 24h, Groups 4A & M3). Systemic seed-piece treatment. Do not make subsequent application of another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment. Aids in control of flea beetles. Not registered in CT or VT.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use a Provado foliar application following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop. See plant-back restrictions.

kaolin (Surround WP): 25 to 50 lb/A or 0.25 to 0.5 lb/gal (0 dh, REI 4h). Suppression and repellence only. Follow label instructions for mixing. Generally compatible as a tank mix with other insecticides. OMRI listed.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

methamidophos (Monitor* 4): 1 1/2 to 2 pt/A (14 dh, REI 4d, Group 1B).

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 24 oz/A (6 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A).

oxamyl (Vydate* L): 1 to 2 qt/A (7 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A).

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

phorate (Thimet* 20G): 8.5 to 11.3 oz/1,000 row feet for sandy soils, 13 to 17.3 oz/1,000 ft. row in heavy or clay soils (90 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). Distribute granules in the furrow or band on each side of the row. For larvae and reduction of adults.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Foliar spray.

thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS): 0.11 to 0.16 fl oz/100 lb seed (REI 12h, Group 4). See rates based on row spacing on label. Systemic seed treatment. For early season control.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 1.9 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

Potato Leafhopper

Potato leafhoppers overwinter in Louisiana and vicinity and move north on storm fronts into the central states and then into New England on winds from the west. Low levels of leafhopper feeding can severely damage plants and cause symptoms known as hopper burn. Leaves yellow, turn brown and die. Adults are light green, 1/8” long, and wedge-shaped, while nymphs are bright green, flatter and fatter than adults, and move sideways in a crab-like fashion. Sample with sweep net and treat if more than one adult per sweep is found. Nymphs can be monitored by visually inspecting lower leaf surfaces on lower leaves. Treat if more than 15 nymphs are found per 50 leaves.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 1.5 to 4 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4).

azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5): 7 to 16 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 18). For nymphs only. OMRI listed.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 0.8 to 1.6 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1/2 to 1 qt/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 1A).

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 to 16 oz/A (0 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B).

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A (1 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

esfenvalerate (Asana * XL): 2.9 to 9.6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

imidacloprid + mancozeb (Gaucho MZ): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/100 lb seed-pieces (REI 24h, Groups 4A & M3). Systemic seed-piece treatment. Do not make subsequent application of another nicotinoid (Group 4) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment. Aids in control of leafhoppers. Not registered in CT or VT.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 1.9 to 3.2 oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1 to 1 1/2 pt/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 1B).

methamidophos (Monitor* 4): 1 1/2 to 2 pt/A (14 dh, REI 4d, Group 1B).

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 24 to 48 oz/A (6 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A).

oxamyl (Vydate* L): 1 to 2 qt/A (7 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Repeat at 5- to 7-day intervals. See label restrictions.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC 5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal (0.5 dh, REI 12h, Group 25). Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. CT only.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Foliar spray.

thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS): 0.11 to 0.16 fl oz/100 lb seed (REI 12h, Group 4). See rates based on row spacing on label. Systemic seed treatment. For early season control.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 3.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

Wireworms

To avoid wireworm problems, potatoes should not be grown in rotation with sod or grass crops. Delay planting susceptible crops, such as potatoes or corn, on such land for at least two years after the sod has been broken. If wireworms are present, broadcast insecticide and incorporate into soil, preferably when soil temperature is above 60°F, or use furrow application.

ethoprop (Mocap* 15G): 27-40 lb/A (36” row spacing) in 12” band at planting. Mix with top 2” to 4” of soil (REI 48h, Group 1B). Direct contact with seed pieces may contribute to delayed emergence. Extremely toxic to birds; do not leave granules on soil surface.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.17 to 0.35 oz/100 lb seed or 3.5 to 7 oz/A (seed piece treatment), 5.7 to 8.7 furrow application (REI 12h, Group 4A). Do not make subsequent application of nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment.

imidacloprid + mancozeb (Gaucho MZ): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/100 lb seed-pieces (REI 24h, Group 4A). Systemic seed-piece treatment. Do not make subsequent application of another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide following a seed-piece treatment. Aids in control of wireworms. Not registered in CT or VT.

phorate (Thimet* 20G): 8.5 to 11.3 oz/1,000 row feet for sandy soils, 13 to 17.3 oz/1,000 ft. row in heavy or clay soils (90 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). On sandy soils, may also be applied 4 to 6 weeks after planting (suppression only). Distribute granules in the furrow or band on each side of the row.

thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS): 0.11 to 0.16 fl oz/100 lb seed (REI 12h, Group 4). See rates based on row spacing on label. Systemic seed treatment. For protection of seedpieces from wireworm.

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