Insect Control

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

For more information see aphids in the pepper section.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 - 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.

Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol O): 8 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. OMRI listed.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.3 to 0.7 oz/1,000 row ft, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A (3 dh leaves, 125 dh corms, REI 12h, Group 4A). See plant-back restrictions. To avoid resistance, do not use another nicotinoid (Group 4) insecticide if imidacloprid was used at planting.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.5 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). See plant-back restrictions. For resistance management purposes, do not use a Provado foliar application following another nicotinoid (Group 4) insecticide application on the same crop. To protect pollinators, avoid use during bloom and for at least 10 days prior to bloom.

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

pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 to 5.5 oz/A (14 dh, REI 12h, Group 9A). Selective control of aphids. Translaminar. Apply 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).

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 (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.

Cutworms

Caterpillars hide under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day and feed on stems after dark. For best results, make application between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground. 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 (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 1A). Apply evenly over soil surface. Less toxic to aphid and mite natural enemies than XLR Plus formulation.

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

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

methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 6 to 10 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 18). Insect growth regulator. Works on all instars. Feeding stops within hours but death takes several days. Suppression only.

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).

Flea Beetles

Sweetpotato flea beetle adults consume narrow strips of leaves on young plants, rather than producing numerous round holes that are characteristic of most species. Larvae rarely feed on sweet potato, but may damage fibrous roots or etch channels into the surface of tubers. 

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 to 2 qt/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 1A).

chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 75WG): 2.67 lb/A (125 dh, REI 24h, Group 1B). Apply as pre-plant broadcast spray and incorporate into top 4” to 6” of soil.

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

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

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.3 to 0.7 oz/1,000 row ft, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A (3 dh leaves, 125 dh corms, REI 12h, Group 4A). See plant-back restrictions. To avoid resistance, do not use another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide if imidacloprid was used at planting.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.5 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). See plant-back restrictions. For resistance management purposes, do not use a Provado foliar application following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop.

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).

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 (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.

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

Tortoise Beetle

Adults and larvae feed on underside of leaves producing numerous holes. 

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 2 qt/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 1A). May encourage buildup of aphids by killing natural enemies.

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

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

Slugs

Damage appears as shredded foliage. Look for silvery slime trails on leaves or turn over soil clods or debris to find slugs during daylight hours. Grow plants away from moist, shaded habitats, use clean cultivation, control weeds, hand pick/crush slugs or scatter baits on the ground near infested plants. See the Cabbage Section for more information on slugs.

iron phosphate (Sluggo: Snail and Slug Bait): 20 to 44 lb/A (0 dh, REI 0h, Group 9B). Apply around perimeter, scatter around base of plants, or band down rows. Apply to moist soil in the evening. OMRI listed.

metaldehyde (Deadline Bullets): 20 to 40 lb/A (REI 12h). Soil surface treatment or band treatment between rows after formation of edible parts. Do not apply directly to or contaminate edible portions of plants.

Whiteflies

For more information see whiteflies in the tomato section.

Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol O): 8 to 32 oz/A (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 22). Thoroughly cover foliage. Takes 7 to 10 days after application to see control. OMRI listed.

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

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.3 to 0.7 oz/1,000 row ft, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A (3 dh leaves, 125 dh corms, REI 12h, Group 4A). To avoid resistance, do not use another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide if Admire Pro was used at planting.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.5 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.

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

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, active on immature stages only. Suppression 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, EI 12h, Group 3A).

spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 8 to 16 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 23). Immature whiteflies only.

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

Wireworms and White Grubs

These root pests are favored by low, heavy soils that have been is sod or pasture.  Delay planting susceptible crops, such as corn, potatoes or sweet potatoes, on such land for at least 2 years after the sod has been broken. 

chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 75WG): 2.67 lb/A (125 dh, REI 24h, Group 1B). Apply as pre-plant broadcast spray and incorporate into top 4” to 6” of soil. Wireworms only.

ethoprop (Mocap* 15G): 20 to 26 lb/A, or 1.6 to 2.1 lb/1,000 row feet (REI 48h, Group 1B). Apply in a 12-15” wide band, 2 to 3 weeks prior to planting. Mix in top 2” to 4” of soil right after application.