Evaluation of biweekly pesticide applications of new insecticides for tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens (Fabricius)) management in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) seed production

Field studies were conducted in 2010 and 2011 in North Carolina tobacco grown to produce seed to assess the longevity and efficacy of the insecticide active ingredients chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide on Heliothis virescens (Fabricius), the most significant pest of tobacco grown for seed. Results suggest that incorporating these materials into an integrated pest management program for lepidopterous pests in seed tobacco could potentially decrease the number of insecticide applications with limited impact on natural enemies. Soil applications of chlorantraniliprole may potentially delay H. virescens infestations, further decreasing foliar insecticide applications, but activity of soil applications was not consistent between sites and years.

► Newer insecticides applied biweekly performed similar to standards applied weekly. ► Soil applications of these newer insecticides produced inconsistent results. ► IPM plans using newer materials may reduce insecticide use in tobacco seed production.