ABSTRACT

Zeta-Cypermethrin has been extensively evaluated in field efficacy trials during the past years for control of the major insect pests of cotton. Mustang Max, a new zeta-cypermethrin formulation with an optimized content of the most active isomer, was evaluated in 2001-03 to determine efficacy. Mustang Max was also compared to standard insecticides currently being used in cotton. In field efficacy trials, Mustang Max applied at 0.018 lb ai/A provided commercially acceptable control of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) equal to Karate and Decis at 0.025 and 0.025 lb ai/A respectively and better than Baythroid, Leverage, Denim, Steward, Tracer and Asana XL at rates of 0.028, 0.068, 0.01, 0.11, 0.063 and 0.04 lb ai/A, respectively. Mustang Max at 0.018 lb ai/A also provided acceptable control of Lygus spp. equal to Karate and Bidrin at 0.028 and 0.5 lb ai/A respecitively and better than Baythroid, Centric, Orthene, Leverage, Actara and Assail at rates of 0.03, 0.047, 0.75, 0.063, 0.063 and 0.05 lb ai/A respectively at seven days after treatment. All of the pyrethroid treatments resulted in better residual control of Lygus spp. than the other chemistries from a seasonal average standpoint. Nezara spp. control with Mustang Max at 0.018 lb ai/A was equal to Karate, Assana XL, Centric and Bidrin at 0.025, 0.04, 0.047 and 0.5 lb ai/A respectively and better than Orthene or Vydate 0.75 and 0.33 lb ai/A respectively at seven days after treatment. Euschistus control with Mustang Max at 0.022 lb ai/A was numerically lower than Karate and Bidrin at 0.025 and 0.5 lb ai/A respectively, equal to Leverage at 0.063 lb ai/A and better than Baythroid, Centric and Vydate at 0.028, 0.047 and 0.33 respectively at seven days after treatment. Aphis gossypii, Glover, control with Mustang Max at 0.018 lb ai/A was somewhat less than Provado, Actara, Centric, Assail or Leverage at 0.047, 0.063, 0.05, 0.05 and 0.08 lb ai/A respectively and better than Baythroid at 0.028 lb ai/A.