ABSTRACT
Replicated paired comparison tests that evaluated full control vs. no early season control of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens, were conducted on three farms in 1990 and two in 1991. Results indicated no economic benefits from early season control of H. virescens populations that were 3X recommended treatment thresholds in 1990 and > 10X threshold levels in 1991. There were no substantial differences in yield, quality or maturity of the crop. It was concluded that early season treatment thresholds for H. virescens should be substantially higher than the current 6 larvae per 100 plants.
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