Influence of selected chemical and biological control agents on cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) populations on snap beans

In the summer of 1972 three chemical insecticides, two formulations of a bacterium, and a nuclear polyhedrosis virus were selected to determine their effectiveness in controlling the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), on a selected variety of snap beans. Counts were made on caged larvae in the field and in the laboratory to determine the percent of larvae killed by each insecticidal agent. The chemical insecticides Lannate, Orthene, and Sevin and the bacterial formulations Dipel and Thuricide all provided greater than 90 percent control in the field three days after treatment. Laboratory results showed a slight decrease in toxicity of treatments over field results.

From April through September of 1971 and 1972, light traps were operated in 18 and 13 counties, respectively, across the state. Information was collected concerning distribution and abundance of adult moths of the looper complex in Tennessee.