Plant Breeding, Pest Control, and Remote Sensing to Improve Dark Tobacco Production: Study 2: A Comparison of Safety and Effectiveness of Two Insecticides for Dark Tobacco

In cooperation with the University of Kentucky, Murray State University set 32 test plots of dark tobacco June 9 - 10 to determine the effectiveness and safety of two new tobacco insecticides set to enter the market. The tobacco hornworm and budworm can be devastating to tobacco plants if proper measures are not taken for their control. Numerous insecticides are available for their control; however, the search continues to find a safer chemical that will advance protection of the plants. Novaluran, produced by Chemtura, is an insect growth regulator being tested to determine phytotoxicity on the following varieties at different levels: PD 7318LC, NL Madole, and KY 171. A randomized complete block design is used with four replications and four treatments, including an untreated check and Novaluran applied at a rate of 9, 12, and 24 ounces per acre. The first two applications were sprayed at 15 gallons per acre and the last 3 applications were sprayed at 30 gallons per acre. With regards to testing Coragen, randomized complete block design was used again with four replications and four treatments including: Coragen at 3.5 and 5.0 ounces per acre, a local standard of Orthene and Belt, and an untreated control. Two applications were made on July 1 and August 18. Once the tobacco is stripped and weighed, data will determine whether the hypothesis that Coragen provides better insect control, supplies longer persistence, and is safer for the environment and the applicator, can be supported