Impact of Pesticides for Tomato Fruitworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Suppression on Photosynthesis, Yield, and Nontarget Arthropods in Strawberries

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Abstract
Effects of several chemicals registered or considered for Heliothis zea (Boddie) suppression on strawberries were evaluated for impact on plant physiology, yield, and nontarget arthropods. During a period when Tetranychus urticae Koch populations had not reached damaging levels, bifenthrin significantly increased photosynthesis rates and significantly reduced stomatal resistance compared with the untreated control. Bifenthrin treatments produced significantly heavier fruit than controls on 3 of 8 dates in 1985 and 5 of 11 dates in 1986. Foliage and fruit treated with naled at 1.12 or 1.68 kg (AI)/ha on alternate weeks developed visual symptoms of phytotoxicity, but plants did not produce significantly lighter fruit compared with control plants or exhibit a trend toward reduced photosynthesis. However, application of naled (1.68 kg [AI]/ha) showed a strong trend of fewer fruit in 1985 compared with controls. Repeated applications of methomyl, carbaryl, and permethrin produced only transient effects on photosynthetic activity. Although all chemicals tested provided acceptable levels of aphid control, only bifenthrin and avermectin bl reduced T. urticae populations to below economic injury levels. The incorporation and use of these chemicals in an integrated control program on strawberries are discussed.

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