Abstract
Field experiments were conducted at Corozal to evaluate insecticides and application methods for the control of the banana corm weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus Germar. Each insecticide was applied at planting time every 6 months and, thereafter, until harvest. Data on plant crop infestation and production showed that Nemacur 15G at 14, 28 and 42 g/plant; Temik 10G (28 g); Dyfonate 10G (56 g); and Furadan 10G (56 g) were highly effective. Differences were highly significant. In the ratoon crop Nemacur 15G (at the three doses), Temik TOG, Dyfonate 10G, Furadan 10G (at the two doses) were highly effective (1% level). In the second experiment the following insecticides were tested: Mocap EC ("seed" treatment), Mocap EC plus Furadan TOG, Mocap EC plus Temik ICG, Nemacur EC ("seed" treatment), Nemacur EC plus Furadan 10G, Nemtcur EC plus Temik TOG, Vydate L ("seed" treatment), Vydate L plus Furadan 1 OG, Vydate L plus Temik 10G, Furadan 10G, and Temik 10G. The liquid formulation was used for treating the "seeds". Half of the plants were up-rooted at 6 months and efficacy data was taken. No statistical differences attributable to treatments were obtained. In the third experiment the following insecticides were tested: Nemacur 15G (14, 28 and 42 g./plant), Vydate L (5, 10 and 20 ml.), Temik 10G, (28 g) Mocap EC (18 ml./gal.) ("seed" treatment) 4- Furadan 10G (28 g.), Mocap EC (18 ml./gal.) ("seed" treatment) + Nemacur 15G (28 g). All treatments were applied at planting time and the granular insecticides, in addition, were applied every 6 months. "Seeds" were treated (Mocap EC) prior to planting. Vydate 1 was applied with a spotgun at the second and fourth months and then every 4 months. The statistical analysis of the plant crop data revealed highly significant differences among all treatments and the control. Nemacur 15G and Temik 10G appear to be practical alternatives for the control of the corm weevil.