Row treatment of potatoes with systemics for meadow nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) control

Abstract

Granular aldicarb and carbofuran, systemic carbamate insecticides, were applied at 3 lbs active per acre to compare their control of the meadow nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans). These systemic pesticides were applied either in two bands 2–3 inches from both sides of and at the lower plane of the seed-piece or in one band 4–5 inches wide and 1/2 inch above the seed. Two months after planting, nematode populations were greatly reduced in soil and roots from plots treated with either chemical and with both placement methods. Aldicarb provided effective control longer into the growing season than did carbofuran. When compared with carbofuran, aldicarb-treated potao plants lived longer and produced a greater increase in yield over the untreated plots. Yield increases were greater when either systemic was applied in side bands than when placed over the seed.