Evaluation of Insecticide Usage in the New York Processing-Cabbage Pest Management Program1

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Abstract
Insecticide usage in the Cornell University Processing (sauerkraut) Cabbage Pest Management Pilot Program was evaluated over the 4-year period from 1978 to 1981. Insecticide load was assessed in terms of dose equivalents. Insecticide efficacy was measured by percent reduction of Lepidoptera and percent reduction of plants infested with onion thrips, Thrips labaci Lindeman. Total insecticide load, in average dose equivalents per field, decreased every year from 1978 to 1980, but increased in 1981. The increase in dose equivalents in 1981 was due to multiple applications of insecticides by growers to suppress high populations of thrips. However, during the 4-year period, most insecticides were applied to control Lepidoptera, and comparing 1981 with 1978, the amount of insecticides used against Lepidoptera decreased by 49%, whereas their effectiveness increased by 54%. These results are attributed to better insecticide selection and improved timing of applications due to development of action thresholds used in conjunction with weekly field scouting. Methamidophos and the pyrethroids consistently provided the most effective control of Lepidoptera. Control of thrips by foliar insecticides was inadequate for present Food and Drug Administration standards.

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