Tobacco flea beetles a threat if not managed

Most transplant insecticide applications for tobacco provide excellent control of tobacco flea beetles for the first three to four weeks that the crop is in the field.

After several years of using these treatments, it is easy to forget what can happen if preventive control is not used, and the crop is not checked for damage for some time.

Tobacco flea beetles can severely affect a tobacco crop in several areas of a field causing substantial damage before the infestations are detected.

Budworm and tobacco hornworm

Watch for budworm and tobacco hornworm infestations, especially in the earliest set fields. These are the ones generally selected by female moths for egg laying.

Both species spend the winter deep in the ground as pupae, so they are not affected by the severity of winter weather and have a good survival rate.

There are many options for worm control on tobacco, but infestations need to be caught early for best results.

Check randomly-selected plants scattered over the field. Budworms will be in the tops of plant, chewing small round holes in leaves and leaving coarse pepper-like droppings. An average of five live worms per 50 plants is enough to justify control. Avoid treating when high temperatures cause upper leaves to curl to protect plant buds. Curled upper leaves also protect feeding budworms.

The same five live worms per 50 plants is used for determining the need for hornworm treatments. These caterpillars will be found in the upper third of the plant.

(Source: Lee Townsend UK Extension Entomologist)

Watch tobacco fields closely

I have been seeing damage on several tobacco fields from budworm and hornworm feeding. Most producers will probably spray with Orthene 97 for control. The recommended rate is 0.75 lbs. per acre. Other options include Dipel, Warrior, Tracer and other pesticides. Beware of Endosulfan 3E, as some tobacco contracts prohibit its use. Always follow label directions and rates. Harvest intervals vary by product.

Keep eyes open for frog eye

As always, keep an eye out for frog eye and target spot on your tobacco this summer, and spray accordingly with Quadris.

Generally an eight-ounce per-acre rate will give effective control without leaf flecking.

A 10- to 14-day spray schedule may be needed if rainy periods set in.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.