ABSTRACT
Numerous large scale Demonstration Trials were conducted in AR, LA, and MS cotton fields with cotton consultants to evaluate paired comparisons of MVP, a bio-encapsulated Bt insecticide, with conventional Bt insecticides for control of tobacco budworm (TBW) Heliothis virescens (F.), and cotton bollworm (CB), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Insecticides were applied by ground (broadcast and banded) and air (broadcast and ULV) during early, mid, and late season and were tested alone and tank-mixed with an ovicide or larvicide. In a separate experiment, Bt insecticides were evaluated for early season control of TBW-CB complex in a multi-treatment, replicated aerial trial. Results from the many trials supported a strong fit for MVP as a tool for controlling TBW-CB in cotton. Of the 34 comparisons of MVP with conventional Bt-based insecticides for TBW-CB control, MVP was equal to or superior to the comparison treatment in 33 Demonstration Trials (97%). The value of large scale field trials for evaluating insect control strategies is discussed.
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