Insect Management in Sweetpotato

Growers often turn to pesticides known as insecticides when looking to manage insect pests in sweetpotato. There are many insecticides that are available for commercial use, but there are many factors that must be considered before application. Factors that are important to consider include the insect species, target life stage, life cycle, insecticide application time, and amount applied.

Although insecticides effectively reduce or disrupt pest populations, the number of OMRI-listed insecticides registered for use against sweetpotato pests is currently limited. Due to these limitations, an integrated pest management (IPM) program that integrates the use of insecticides and other pest limitation tactics must be implemented. Commonly implemented tactics include crop rotations and insect-resistant cultivars (Jennings et al., 2019). For organic sweetpotato production, growers must rely on these tactics which focus more so on longer-term reductions in insect populations. The aim of these tactics is to reduce insect populations to minimize insect damage risk and prevent economic losses.

A common insect pest in sweetpotato, the sweetpotato weevil (*Cylas formicarius*.)
“Sweetpotato Weevil” by Graham Wise / CC BY 2.0

Insects feed on all parts of the sweetpotato plant, from the foliage to the storage and fibrous roots underneath the soil. Of those insects, those that feed on the above-ground plant matter, such as the leaves or stems, do not often cause economic damage unless their populations are high (Jennings et al., 2019). Generally, feeding on the foliage does not impact the yield or quality of the storage roots below the surface, unless their populations are very high, which can impact yield through feeding-induced plant stress. However, insect pests that feed on the storage roots and fibrous roots can cause significant economic damage. Damages can include the reduction of yield and quality through feeding-induced plant stress or direct damage to the storage root itself.

Of those that feed on sweetpotato plants, most insect species fall under the umbrella of beetles. Other insect species include flies, hemipterans, and butterflies/moths. The table below specifies the stage of plant development in which specific insect pests feed.

Table 1. The below table has been adapted from the MSU Extension 2022 Insect Control Guide for Agronomic Crops.

Stage of Plant Development	Insect Pests
Plant beds	Sweetpotato weevils, flea beetles, aphids, whiteflies
Planting to runner development	Wireworms, white grubs, root worms, flea beetle adults and larvae, whitefringed beetle larvae, cutworms, thrips
Canopy closure to full root development	Wireworms, root worms, white grubs, flea beetle larvae, caterpillars
Root maturity to harvest	Wireworms, root worms, white grubs, flea beetle larvae, sugarcane beetles, caterpillars
Post-harvest storage	Sweetpotato weevils, sugarcane beetles, fruit flies

Below are tables that detail insecticide application protocols specific to each state associated with the SweetARMOR project.

North Carolina

Table 2. The below table has been adapted from the 2022 North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Sweetpotato
Crop Insect	Insecticide, Mode of Action Code, and Formulation	Amount of Formulation Per Acre	Restricted Entry Interval (REI)	Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) (Days)	Precautions and Remarks
Aphids, Leafhopper, Whitefly	Aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies are rarely a problem.
	acetamiprid, MOA 4A (Assail) 30SG	1.5 to 4 oz	12 hrs	7	Do not make more than 4 applications per season. Do not apply more frequently than once every 7 days. Use 2.5 to 4 ounces for aphids.
	clothianidin, MOA 4A (Belay) 2.13 SC Soil application: Foliar application:	9 to 12 fl oz 2 to 3 fl oz	12 hrs	21 14	Soil application as an in-furrow or sidedress application. For sidedress applications, immediately cover with soil.
	flonicamid, MOA 29 (Beleaf) 50 SG	2 to 2.8 oz	12 hrs	7
	flupyradifurone, MOA 4D (Sivanto Prime) 1.67	7.0 to 14.0 fl oz	4 hrs	77	For aphids and leafhopper use 7.0 to 10.5 fluid ounces, for whitefly use 10.5 to 14.0 fluid ounces.
	imidacloprid, MOA 4A (Admire Pro) 4.6 F (various) 1.6 F	Foliar: 1.2 fl oz 3.5 fl oz Soil: 4.4 to 10.5 fl oz	12 hrs	7 60	Two foliar applications may be needed to control heavy populations. Allow 5 to 7 days between applications. The Admire Pro 24C label includes an in-furrow or side dress application 45 days after planting at 4.4 to 10.5 fl oz/acre.
	pymetrozine, MOA 9B (Fulfill) 50 WDG	2.75 to 5.5 oz	12 hrs	14
	spirotetramat MOA 23 (Movento) 2 SC	4 to 5 fl oz	24 hrs	7	Will not control leafhopper. Requires surfactant.
	thiamethoxam, MOA 4A (Actara) 25 WDG	3 oz		14	Two applications of Actara may be needed to control heavy populations. Allow 7 to 10 days between applications. Do not exceed a total of 6 ounces of Actara per crop per season.
Armyworm, Looper, Corn earworm, Hornworm	Damaging armyworm and earworm infestations may occur in August or September. If significant infestations are present on foliage during harvest, larvae may feed on exposed roots.
	chlorantraniliprole, MOA 28 (Coragen) 1.67 SC	3.5 to 7.5 fl oz	4 hrs	1	Foliar application only on sweetpotato.
	chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyfluthrin premix, MOA 28 and 3 (Besiege)	6 to 9 fl oz	24 hrs	14	Treat when a combination of moth pests and cucumber beetles are above threshold.
	methoxyfenozide, MOA 18 (Intrepid) 2 F	6 to 10 fl oz	4 hrs	7
	novaluron, MOA 15 (Rimon) 0.83 EC	9 to 12 fl oz	12 hrs	14	Do not make more than 2 applications per crop per season.
	spinosad MOA 5 (Blackhawk)	2.25 to 3.5 oz	4 hrs	77
	spinetoram, MOA 5 (Radiant) 1 SC	6 to 8 fl oz	4 hrs	7
Cucumber beetle (adults), Japanese beetle (adults), Tortoise beetle	Cucumber beetle larvae (Diabrotica) are a serious pest of sweetpotato in LA and MS. Controlling adult cucumber beetles in areas with a history of Diabrotica damage can reduce damage to roots. Foliage feeding by beetles rarely causes economic loss, and control is not warranted unless defoliation is severe. Tortoise beetles are frequently present but rarely reach levels requiring treatment. Treat for tortoise beetles only if significant defoliation is observed.
	pyrethroid, MOA 3A		12 hrs		See table 5-9B for a list of registered pyrethroids and pre-harvest intervals.
	carbaryl, MOA 1A XLR Plus	2 qt	12 hrs	7	Treat for tortoise beetles only if significant defoliation is observed. Tortoise beetles are frequently present but rarely reach levels requiring treatment.
Flea beetle, Wireworm, White grub	bifenthrin, MOA 3A (various) 2 EC Soil application: Foliar application:	9.6 to 19.2 fl oz 2.1 to 6.4 fl oz		21	Apply as broadcast, preplant application to the soil and incorporate 4 to 6 inches prior to bed formation. This use has been demonstrated to control overwintered wireworm populations and reduce damage to roots at harvest. Chlorpyrifos will not control whitefringed beetle or other grubs that attack sweetpotato. Research has shown that best control is achieved when chlorpyrifos is applied as a preplant application incorporated 4 to 6 inches deep prior to bed formation, followed by 1 or more soil-directed incorporations of bifenthrin during routine cultivation. Bifenthrin should be directed onto each side of the bed from the drill to the middle of the furrow and incorporated with cultivating equipment set to throw soil toward the drill. The objective is to provide a barrier of treated soil that covers the bed and furrows. Foliar sprays of various insecticides that target adults to prevent egg laying have not been shown to provide any reduction in damage to roots by wireworm larvae at harvest.
	chlorpyrifos, MOA 1B (Lorsban) 15 G (Lorsban) 4 E (Lorsban Advanced)	13.5 lb 4 pt 4 pt	24 hrs	125 (60 in NC for Lorsban Advanced only)
	clothianidin MOA 4A (Belay) 2.13 SL	12 fl oz	12 hrs
	imidacloprid MOA 4A (Admire Pro) 4.6SC	10.5 fl oz or 0.75 fl oz per 1,000 ft	3 days	60 days (NC, LA) 125 days Elsewhere
Fruit fly (vinegar fly)	pyrethrins, MOA 3A (Pyrenone)	1 gal/100,000 cu ft	12 hrs		Postharvest application in storage. Apply as a space fog with a mechanical or thermal generator. Do not make more than 10 applications.
Sweetpotato weevil	pyrethroid, MOA 3A		12 hrs		See table 5-9B for a list of registered pyrethroids and pre-harvest intervals.
Sweetpotato weevil	phosmet, MOA 1B (Imidan) 70 W	1.33 lb	5 days	7
Thrips	spinetoram, MOA 5 (Radiant) 1 SC	6 to 8 fl oz	4 hrs	7
Whitefringed beetle	phosmet, MOA 1B (Imidan) 70 W	1.33 lb	5 days	7	Do not make more than 5 applications per season. Whitefringed beetle adults are active in July and August. Do not plant in fields with a recent history of whitefringed beetles.

South Carolina

Table 3. The below table has been adapted from the 2022 Southeastern US Vegetable Crop Handbook.

Insect	Insecticide, Mode of Action Code, and Formulation	Amount of Formulation Per Acre	Restricted Entry Interval (REI)	Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) (Days)	Precautions and Remarks
Aphids, Leafhopper, Whitefly	Aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies are rarely a problem.
	clothianidin, MOA 4A (Belay) 2.13 SC Soil treatment Foliar treatment	9 to 12 oz 2 to 3 fl oz	12 hrs	21 14	Soil application as an in-furrow or sidedress application. For side-dress applications, immediately cover with soil.
	flonicamid, MOA 20D (Beleaf) 50 SG	2 to 2.8 oz	12 hrs	7
	flupyradifurone, MOA 4D (Sivanto Prime) 1.67 SL	7.0 to 14.0 fl oz	4 hrs	7	For aphids and leafhopper use 7.0 to 10.5 fluid ounces, for whitefly use 10.5 to 14.0 fluid ounces.
	imidacloprid, MOA 4A Foliar treatment (Admire Pro) 4.6 F (various) 1.6 F Soil treatment (Admire Pro) 4.6 F (various) 1.6 F	1.2 fl oz 3.5 fl oz 4.4 fl oz 10.5 fl oz	12 hrs	7 60	Two applications may be needed to control heavy populations. Allow 5 to 7 days between applications.
	pymetrozine, MOA 9B (Fulfill) 50 WDG	2.75 to 5.5 oz	12 hrs	14
	pyrifluquinazon, MOA 9B (PQZ) 1.87 EC	2.4 to 3.2 fl oz	12 hrs	1	See label for rotational crop restrictions. Do not exceed 4.8 fl oz per acre per crop cycle.
	thiamethoxam, MOA 4A (Actara) 25 WDG	3 oz		14	Two applications of Actara may be needed to control heavy popu-lations. Allow 7 to 10 days between applications. Do not exceed a total of 6 ounces of Actara per crop per season
Armyworms, Looper, Corn earworm, Hornworm	Damaging armyworm and earworm infestations may occur in August or September. If significant infestations are present on foliage during harvest, larvae may feed on exposed roots.
	chlorantraniliprole, MOA 28 (Coragen) 1.67 SC	3.5 to 7.5 fl oz	4 hrs	1	Foliar application only on sweetpotato.
	methoxyfenozide, MOA18 (Intrepid) 2 F	6 to 10 fl oz	4 hrs	7
	novaluron, MOA 15 (Rimon) 0.83 EC	9 to 12 fl oz	12 hrs	14	Do not make more than 2 applications per crop per season.
	spinetoram, MOA 5 (Radiant) 1 SC	6 to 8 fl oz	4 hrs	7
	spinosad MOA 5 (Blackhawk)	2.25 to 3.5 oz	4 hrs	7
	viruses		4 hrs	See Table 2-26 for virus-based insecticides effective against specific insects. ORMI listed.
Cucumber beetle (adults), Japanese beetle (adults), Tortoise beetle	Cucumber beetle larvae (Diabrotica) are a serious pest of sweetpotato in LA and MS. Controlling adult cucumber beetles in areas with a history of Diabrotica damage can reduce damage to roots. Foliage feeding by beetles rarely causes economic loss, and control is not warranted unless defoliation is severe. Tortoise beetles are frequently present but rarely reach levels requiring treatment. Treat for tortoise beetles only if significant defoliation is observed.
	carbaryl, MOA 1A (Sevin) XLR Plus	2 qt	12 hrs	7	Treat for tortoise beetles only if significant defoliation is observed. Tortoise beetles are frequently present but rarely reach levels requiring treatment.
	pyrethroids, MOA 3A		12 hrs		See Table 2-25 A for a list of registered pyrethroids and pre-harvest intervals.
Flea beetle, Wireworm, White grub, Cucumber beetle larvae	bifenthrin, MOA 3A (various) 2 EC	9.6 to 19.2 fl oz	12 hrs	21	Apply as broadcast, preplant application to the soil and incorporate 4 to 6 inches prior to bed formation. This use has been demonstrated to control overwintered wireworm populations and reduce damage to roots at har-vest. Bifenthrin should be directed onto each side of the bed from the drill to the middle of the furrow and incorporated with cultivating equipment set to throw soil toward the drill. The objective is to provide a barrier of treated soil that covers the bed and furrows. Foliar sprays of various in-secticides that target adults to prevent egg laying have not been shown to provide any reduction in damage to roots by wireworm larvae at harvest.
	clothianidin MOA 4A (Belay) 2.13	12 fl oz	12 hrs
	imidacloprid (Admire Pro) 4.6 SC	10.5 fl oz or 0.75 fl oz per 1,000 ft	3 days	60 days (NC, LA Only) 125 days elsewhere
Fruit fly (vinegar fly)	pyrethrins, MOA 3A (Pyrenone)	1 gal. 100,00 cu ft	12 hrs	-	Postharvest application in storage. Apply as a space fog with a mechanical or thermal generator. Do not make more than 10 applications.
Sweetpotato weevil	pyrethroid, MOA 3A		12 hrs		See Table 2-25 A for a list of registered pyrethroids and pre-harvest intervals.
Sweetpotato weevil	phosmet, MOA 1B (Imidan) 70 W	1.33 lb	5 days	7	Do not make more than five applications per season.
Thrips	spinetoram, MOA 5 (Radiant) 1 SC	6 to 8 fl oz	4 hrs	7
Whitefringed beetle	phosmet, MOA 1B (Imidan) 70 W	1.33 lb	5 days	7	Do not make more than five applications per season. Whitefringed beetle adults are active in July and August. Do not plant in fields with a recent history of whitefringed beetles. Limited to mechanical harvest only.

Louisiana

Table 4. The below table has been adapted from the 2022 Southeastern US Vegetable Crop Handbook.

Insect	Insecticide, Mode of Action Code, and Formulation	Amount of Formulation Per Acre	Restricted Entry Interval (REI)	Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) (Days)	Precautions and Remarks
Aphids, Leafhopper, Whitefly	Aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies are rarely a problem.
	clothianidin, MOA 4A (Belay) 2.13 SC Soil treatment Foliar treatment	9 to 12 oz 2 to 3 fl oz	12 hrs	21 14	Soil application as an in-furrow or sidedress application. For side-dress applications, immediately cover with soil.
	flonicamid, MOA 20D (Beleaf) 50 SG	2 to 2.8 oz	12 hrs	7
	flupyradifurone, MOA 4D (Sivanto Prime) 1.67 SL	7.0 to 14.0 fl oz	4 hrs	7	For aphids and leafhopper use 7.0 to 10.5 fluid ounces, for whitefly use 10.5 to 14.0 fluid ounces.
	imidacloprid, MOA 4A Foliar treatment (Admire Pro) 4.6 F (various) 1.6 F Soil treatment (Admire Pro) 4.6 F (various) 1.6 F	1.2 fl oz 3.5 fl oz 4.4 fl oz 10.5 fl oz	12 hrs	7 60	Two applications may be needed to control heavy populations. Allow 5 to 7 days between applications.
	pymetrozine, MOA 9B (Fulfill) 50 WDG	2.75 to 5.5 oz	12 hrs	14
	pyrifluquinazon, MOA 9B (PQZ) 1.87 EC	2.4 to 3.2 fl oz	12 hrs	1	See label for rotational crop restrictions. Do not exceed 4.8 fl oz per acre per crop cycle.
	thiamethoxam, MOA 4A (Actara) 25 WDG	3 oz		14	Two applications of Actara may be needed to control heavy popu-lations. Allow 7 to 10 days between applications. Do not exceed a total of 6 ounces of Actara per crop per season
Armyworms, Looper, Corn earworm, Hornworm	Damaging armyworm and earworm infestations may occur in August or September. If significant infestations are present on foliage during harvest, larvae may feed on exposed roots.
	chlorantraniliprole, MOA 28 (Coragen) 1.67 SC	3.5 to 7.5 fl oz	4 hrs	1	Foliar application only on sweetpotato.
	methoxyfenozide, MOA18 (Intrepid) 2 F	6 to 10 fl oz	4 hrs	7
	novaluron, MOA 15 (Rimon) 0.83 EC	9 to 12 fl oz	12 hrs	14	Do not make more than 2 applications per crop per season.
	spinetoram, MOA 5 (Radiant) 1 SC	6 to 8 fl oz	4 hrs	7
	spinosad MOA 5 (Blackhawk)	2.25 to 3.5 oz	4 hrs	7
	viruses		4 hrs	See Table 2-26 for virus-based insecticides effective against specific insects. ORMI listed.
Cucumber beetle (adults), Japanese beetle (adults), Tortoise beetle	Cucumber beetle larvae (Diabrotica) are a serious pest of sweetpotato in LA and MS. Controlling adult cucumber beetles in areas with a history of Diabrotica damage can reduce damage to roots. Foliage feeding by beetles rarely causes economic loss, and control is not warranted unless defoliation is severe. Tortoise beetles are frequently present but rarely reach levels requiring treatment. Treat for tortoise beetles only if significant defoliation is observed.
	carbaryl, MOA 1A (Sevin) XLR Plus	2 qt	12 hrs	7	Treat for tortoise beetles only if significant defoliation is observed. Tortoise beetles are frequently present but rarely reach levels requiring treatment.
	pyrethroids, MOA 3A		12 hrs		See Table 2-25 A for a list of registered pyrethroids and pre-harvest intervals.
Flea beetle, Wireworm, White grub, Cucumber beetle larvae	bifenthrin, MOA 3A (various) 2 EC	9.6 to 19.2 fl oz	12 hrs	21	Apply as broadcast, preplant application to the soil and incorporate 4 to 6 inches prior to bed formation. This use has been demonstrated to control overwintered wireworm populations and reduce damage to roots at har-vest. Bifenthrin should be directed onto each side of the bed from the drill to the middle of the furrow and incorporated with cultivating equipment set to throw soil toward the drill. The objective is to provide a barrier of treated soil that covers the bed and furrows. Foliar sprays of various in-secticides that target adults to prevent egg laying have not been shown to provide any reduction in damage to roots by wireworm larvae at harvest.
	clothianidin MOA 4A (Belay) 2.13	12 fl oz	12 hrs
	imidacloprid (Admire Pro) 4.6 SC	10.5 fl oz or 0.75 fl oz per 1,000 ft	3 days	60 days (NC, LA Only) 125 days elsewhere
Fruit fly (vinegar fly)	pyrethrins, MOA 3A (Pyrenone)	1 gal. 100,00 cu ft	12 hrs	-	Postharvest application in storage. Apply as a space fog with a mechanical or thermal generator. Do not make more than 10 applications.
Sweetpotato weevil	pyrethroid, MOA 3A		12 hrs		See Table 2-25 A for a list of registered pyrethroids and pre-harvest intervals.
Sweetpotato weevil	phosmet, MOA 1B (Imidan) 70 W	1.33 lb	5 days	7	Do not make more than five applications per season.
Thrips	spinetoram, MOA 5 (Radiant) 1 SC	6 to 8 fl oz	4 hrs	7
Whitefringed beetle	phosmet, MOA 1B (Imidan) 70 W	1.33 lb	5 days	7	Do not make more than five applications per season. Whitefringed beetle adults are active in July and August. Do not plant in fields with a recent history of whitefringed beetles. Limited to mechanical harvest only.

Mississippi

Tables 5-17. The below tables have been adapted from the MSU Extension Insect Control Guide for Agronomic Crops (2022).

Sweetpotato Weevil

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)
Soil Application
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC Brigade 2EC	9.6–19.2 oz (at planting) 3.2–9.6 oz (at layby)	0.15–0.30 0.05–0.15	13.3–6.7 40–13.3	21 21
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
carbaryl (C) Sevin 4F	32–64 oz	1–2	4–2	7
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	12 oz	0.2	10.7	-
Foliar Treatments
β–cyfluthrin (P) Baythroid XL 1EC	1.6–2.8 oz	0.013–0.022	80–45.7	0
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ–cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25CS	6–9 oz	-	21.3–14.2	14
cyfluthrin (P) Tombstone 2EC	1.6–2.8 oz	0.025–0.044	80–45.7	0
phosmet (OP) Imidan 70WP	21.3 oz	0.93	0.75	7

Whitefly

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)
Soil Application
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6SC	7–10.5 oz	0.25–0.38	18.3–12.2	125
Foliar Treatments
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
flupyradifurone (BU) Sivanto Prime 1.67	10.5–14.0 oz	0.14–0.18	12.2–9.1	7
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6SC	1.2 oz	0.043	106.7	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	4.5 oz	-	28.4	14
novaluron (IGR) Rimon 0.83EC	12 oz	0.078	10.7	14
spiromesifen (TA) Oberon 4SC	4–8 oz	0.125–0.25	32–16	7
spirotetramat (TA) Movento 2SC	4–5 oz	0.06–0.08	32–25.6	7
sulfoxaflor (SX) Transform 50WG	2.0–2.25 oz	0.063–0.071	8–7.1	7

Flea Beetle

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
Soil Application
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC Brigade 2EC	9.6–19.2 oz (at planting) 3.2–9.6 oz (at layby)	0.15–0.30 0.05–0.15	13.3–6.7 40–13.3	21 21
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	9–12 oz	0.15–0.2	14.2–10.7	-
ethoprop (OP) Mocap 6EC	63–86 oz	3–4	2–1.5	-	Apply 2–3 weeks before planting.
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6SC	7–10.5 oz	0.25–0.38	18.3–12.2	125
thiamethoxam (CN) Platinum 2SC	5–8 oz	0.078–0.125	25.6–16	-
Foliar Treatments
acetamiprid (CN) Assail 30SG	1.5–2.5 oz	0.028–0.047	10.7–6.4	7
β–cyfluthrin (P) Baythroid XL 1EC	1.6–2.8 oz	0.013–0.022	80–45.7	0
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
bifenthrin (P) + Z-cypermethrin (P) Hero 1.24EC	4.0–10.3 oz	-	32–12.4	21	21 days minimum between applications.
carbaryl (C) Sevin 4F	32–64 oz	1–2	4–2	7
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ-cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25SC	6–9 oz	-	21.3–14.2	14
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	2–3 oz	0.033–0.05	8–5.3	14
cyfluthrin (P) Tombstone 2EC	1.6–2.8 oz	0.025–0.044	80–45.7	0
deltamethrin (P) Delta Gold 1.5EC	1.5–2.4 oz	0.018–0.028	85.3–53.3	3
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6SC	1.2 oz	0.043	106.7	7
imidacloprid (CN) + β-cyfluthrin (P) Leverage 360 3SC	2.4–2.8 oz	-	53.3–45.7	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) Warrior II 2.08CS	1.28–1.92 oz	0.02–0.03	100–66.7	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	3.5–4.5 oz	-	36.6–28.4	14
thiamethoxam (CN) Actara 25WDG	3 oz	0.047	5.3	14
thiamethoxam (CN) + chlorantraniprole (D) Voliam Flexi 40WDG	4 oz	-	32	14
Z–cypermethrin (P) Mustang Max 0.8EC	1.76–4 oz	0.011–0.025	72.7–32	1

Aphid

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)
Soil Application
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	9–12 oz	0.15–0.2	14.2–10.7	-
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6SC	7–10.5 oz	0.25–0.38	18.3–12.2	125
Foliar Treatments
acetamiprid (CN) Assail 30SG	2.5–4 oz	0.047–0.075	6.4–4.0	7
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ-cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25CS	6–9 oz	-	21.3–14.2	14
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	2–3 oz	0.033–0.05	8–5.3	14
flonicamid (PC) Beleaf 50SG	2.0–2.8 oz	0.062–0.089	8–5.7	7
flupyradifurone (Bu) Sivanto Prime 1.67L	10.5–14.0 oz	0.14–0.18	12.2–9.1	7
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6SC	1.2 oz	0.043	106.7	7
imidacloprid (CN) + β-cyfluthrin (P) Leverage 360 3SC	2.4–2.8 oz	-	53.3–45.7	7
λ-cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	4.5 oz	-	28.4	14
pymetrozine (PC) Fulfill 50WDG	2.75–5.5 oz	0.086–0.17	5.8–2.9	14
pyrifluquinazon (PC) PQZ 1.86SC	2.4–3.2 oz	0.035–0.047	53.3–40	14
spirotetramat (TA) Movento 2SC	4–5 oz	0.06–0.08	32–25.6	7
sulfoxaflor (CN) Transform 50WG	0.75–1.5 oz	0.023–0.047	21.3–10.7	7
thiamethoxam (CN) Actara 25WDG	3 oz	0.047	5.3	14
thiamethoxam (CN) + chlorantraniprole (D) Voliam Flexi 40WDG	4 oz	-	32	14

White Grub/May-June Beetle

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
Soil Application (for larval control)
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC Brigade 2EC	9.6–19.2 oz (at planting) 3.2–9.6 oz (at layby)	0.15–0.30 0.05–0.15	13.3–6.7 40–13.3	21 21
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	12 oz	0.2	10.7	-
ethoprop (OP) Mocap 6EC	63–86 oz	3–4	2–1.5	-	Apply 2–3 weeks before planting.
Foliar Treatments (for adult control)
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
bifenthrin (P) + Z-cypermethrin (P) Hero 1.24EC	4.0–10.3 oz	-	32–12.4	21	21 days minimum between applications.
chlorantraniliprole (D) + bifenthrin (P) Elevest 2.22SC	5.6–9.6 oz	0.098–0.167	22.9–13.3	1
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	2–3 oz	0.033–0.05	60.6–42.7	14
phosmet (OP) Imidan 70W	21.3 oz	0.93	0.75	7	Provides suppression only.

Rootworm/Cucumber Beetle

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
Soil Application (for larval control)
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC Brigade 2EC	9.6–19.2 oz (at planting) 3.2–9.6 oz (at layby)	0.15–0.30 0.05–0.15	13.3–6.7 40–13.3	21 21
ethoprop (OP) Mocap 6EC	63–86 oz	3–4	2–1.5	-	Apply 2–3 weeks before planting
Foliar Treatments (for adult control)
acetamiprid (CN) Assail 30SG	1.5–4 oz	0.028–0.075	10.7–4	7
β–cyfluthrin (P) Baythroid XL 1EC	1.6–2.8 oz	0.013–0.022	80–45.7	0
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
bifenthrin (P) + Z-cypermethrin (P) Hero 1.25EC	4.0–10.3 oz	-	32–12.4	21	21 days minimum between applications.
carbaryl (C) Sevin 4F	32–64 oz	1–2	4–2	7
chlorantraniliprole (D) + bifenthrin (P) Elevest 2.22SC	5.6–9.6 oz	-	22.9–13.3	1
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ-cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25CS	6–9 oz	-	21.3–14.2	14
λ–cyhalothrin (P) Warrior II 2.08CS	1.28–1.92 oz	0.02–0.03	100–66.7	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	4.0–4.5 oz	-	32–28.4	14
phosmet (OP) Imidan 70W	21.3 oz	0.93	0.75	7
Z–cypermethrin (P) Mustang Maxx 0.8EC	1.76–4 oz	0.011–0.025	72.7–32	1

Wireworm/Click Beetle

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
Soil Application (for larval control)
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC Brigade 2EC	9.6–19.2 oz (at planting) 3.2–9.6 oz (at layby)	0.15–0.30 0.05–0.15	13.3–6.7 40–13.3	21 21
clothianidin (CN) Belay 2.13SC	12 oz	0.2	10.7	-	Provides suppression only.
ethoprop (OP) Mocap 6EC	63–86 oz	3–4	2–1.5	-	Apply 2–3 weeks before planting.
Foliar Treatments (for adult control)
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
chlorantraniliprole (D) + bifenthrin (P) Elevest 2.22SC	5.6–9.6 oz	-	22.9–13.3	1
phosmet (OP) Imidan 70W	21.3 oz	0.93	0.75	7	Provides suppression only.

Cutworm

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
β-cyfluthrin (P) Baythroid XL 1EC	0.8–1.6 oz	0.006–0.013	160–80	0
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
bifenthrin (P) + Z-cypermethrin (P) Hero 1.24EC	2.6–6.1 oz	-	49–21	21	21 days minimum between applications.
chlorantraniliprole (D) + bifenthrin (P) Elevest 2.22SC	5.6–9.6 oz	-	22.9–13.3	1
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ-cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25CS	5–8 oz	-	25.6–16	14
cyfluthrin (P) Tombstone 2EC	0.8–1.6 oz	0.013–0.025	160–80	0
deltamethrin (P) Delta Gold 1.5EC	1.0–2.4 oz	0.012–0.028	125–53.6	3
imidacloprid (CN) + β-cyfluthrin (P) Leverage 360 3SC	2.4–2.8 oz	-	53.3–45.7	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) Warrior II 2.08CS	0.96–1.60 oz	0.015–0.025	133–80	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	3.5–4.5 oz	-	36.6–28.4	14
Z-cypermethrin (P) Mustang Max 0.8EC	1.28–4 oz	0.008–0.025	100–32	1

Tortoise Beetle

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)
carbaryl (C) Sevin 4F	32–64 oz	1–2	4–2	7
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ-cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25CS	6–9 oz	-	21.3–14.2	14
λ–cyhalothrin (P) Warrior II 2.08CS	1.28–1.92 oz	0.02–0.03	100–66.7	7
λ-cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	4.0–4.5	-	32–28.4	14

Armyworm and Looper

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
bifenthrin (P) + Z-cypermethrin (P) Hero 1.24EC	4–10.3 oz	-	32–12.4	21	21 days minimum between applications.
chlorantraniprole (D) Coragen 1.67 SC Vantacor 5SC	3.5–7.5 oz 1.2–2.5 oz	0.045–0.098 0.047–0.098	36.6–17.1 106.6–51.2	1 1
chlorantraniliprole (D) + bifenthrin (P) Elevest 2.22SC	5.6–9.6 oz	-	22.9–13.3	1
chlorantraniliprole (D) + λ-cyhalothrin (P) Besiege 1.25CS	6–9 oz	-	21.3–14.2	14
deltamethrin (P) Delta Gold 1.5 EC	1.5–2.4 oz	0.018–0.028	85.3–53.6	3
λ–cyhalothrin (P) Warrior II 2.08CS	1.28–1.92 oz	0.02–0.03	100–66.7	7
λ–cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	4.0–4.5 oz	-	32–28.4	14
methoxyfenozide (IGR) Intrepid 2F	6–10 oz	0.094–0.156	21.3–12.8	7
methoxyfenozide (IGR) + spinetoram (SPN) Intrepid Edge 3SC	4.5–12 oz	-	28.4–10.7	7
novaluron (IGR) Rimon 0.83 EC	9–12 oz	0.058–0.078	14.2–10.7	14
spinetoram (SPN) Radiant 1SC	6–8 oz	0.05–0.06	21.3–16	7
spinosad (SPN) Blackhawk 36WG	2.25–3.5 oz	0.05–0.08	7.1–4.6	7
Z–cypermethrin (P) Mustang Max 0.8EC	3.2–4 oz	0.02–0.025	40–32	1

Whitefringed Beetle

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)
Foliar Treatment
bifenthrin (P) Brigade 2EC	2.1–6.4 oz	0.033–0.10	60.6–20	21
bifenthrin (P) + imidacloprid (CN) Brigadier 2SC	5.1–7.7 oz	-	25.1–16.6	21
carbaryl (C) Sevin 4F	32–64 oz	1–2	4–2	7
chlorantraniliprole (D) + bifenthrin (P) Elevest 2.22SC	5.6–9.6 oz	-	22.9–13.3	1
phosmet (OP) Imidan 70 W	21.3 oz	0.93	0.75	7
Z–cypermethrin (P) Mustang Max 0.8EC	1.76–4 oz	0.011–0.025	72.7–32	1

Thrips

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
Soil Application
imidacloprid (CN) Admire Pro 4.6 SC	7–10.5 oz	0.25–0.38	18.3–12.2	125
Foliar Treatment
λ–cyhalothrin (P) Warrior II 2.08CS	1.28–1.92 oz	0.02–0.03	100–66.7	7	Does not control western flower thrips.
λ–cyhalothrin (P) + thiamethoxam (CN) Endigo ZC 2.06CS	4.0–4.5 oz	-	32–28.4	14
spinetoram (SPN) Radiant 1SC	6–8 oz	0.05–0.06	21.3–16	7
spinosad (SPN) Blackhawk 36WG	2.25–3.5 oz	0.05–0.08	7.1–4.6	3

Storage Insects

Insecticide	Amount of Formulation per Acre	Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre	Acres 1 Gallon or 1 Pound Dry Will Treat	PHI (days)	Comments
Sweetpotato Weevils
phosmet (OP) Imidan 5D	4 oz/50 lb	-	-	-	Apply to stored sweetpotatoes in areas of suspected sweetpotato weevil infestation as a preventive treatment.
Fruit Flies
pyrethrins	1 gal/ 100,000 cu ft	-	-	-	Refer to label for proper dilution. Space spray for stored sweetpotatoes.

California

Table 18. The below table has been adapted from information provided by Dr. Scott Stoddard.

Crop Insect	Insecticide and Formulation	Product Type	Application Method	Rate/Acre	Schedule and Remarks
Wireworms, false wireworms, flea beetles and grubs (Limonius spp., Diabrotica spp.)	1,3-dichloropropene (Telone)	Fumigant	Shank applications at 18 – 24” into moist soil followed by surface sealing. All applications subject to township caps and time of application restrictions. Fumigation management plan required.	10 – 12 gpa typical. See label for specific guidelines.	Primarily used for nematode management, applications made in fall or spring will also reduce wireworms.
	Methyldithiocarbamate (Metam sodium, metam potassium)	Fumigant	Shank applications permitted. 9” row spacing at 3”, 6”, and 12” depth into moist soil, followed by soil sealing with light disc or ring-roller. May be applied through sprinklers. Water seal required. Flood applications.	42 – 45 gpa. See label for specific guidelines. 60 to 75 gpa	Permit conditions for pre-plant applications subject to specific county Agriculture Commissioner guidelines. Minimum 100 ft buffers to occupied structures. Fumigation management plan required.
	Ethoprop (Mocap 15G)	Granular nematicide and insecticide	Pre-plant incorporated 2-3 weeks before transplanting and incorporated 4” deep. Banded applications to the row.	20 – 26 lbs/A	Restricted use material, limited to 1 application per season.
	Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban), granular formulations only	Granular insecticide	Pre-plant incorporated 2 weeks before transplanting and incorporate.	13.5 lbs/A	Limited availability. Only granular formulations allowed under current use restrictions. PHI = 125 days.
	Clothianidin (Belay)	Liquid insecticide	Pre-plant incorporated; post plant chemigation through the drip prior to 50% canopy coverage.	12 oz/A	Limited to maximum 12 oz/A per year.
	Bifenthrin (Brigade 2 EC)	Liquid insecticide	Layby applications sprayed to the soil surface near the plants and mechanically incorporated.	3.2 – 9.6 fl oz/A	For suppression of wireworms, rootworms, and white grubs. Sprays do not directly target adults. Has not been evaluated for efficacy under California growing conditions for these pests.
Aphids. Various species, including green peach aphids, Myzus persicae	Acetamiprid (Assail)	Insecticide	Foliar application when pest observed.	2.5 – 4.0 oz/A	Management typically needed only in the hotbeds. Adjust rates correspondingly to square feet.
	Lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole (Besiege)	Insecticide	Foliar applications when pest observed	6.0 – 9.0 fl oz/A	NIS or COC adjuvant may improve performance.
	Flonicamid (Beleaf 50 SG)	Insecticide	Begin treatments before aphids reach damaging levels.	2.0 – 2.8 oz/A	Allow minimum of 7 days between applications.
	Clothianidin (Belay)	Insecticide	Foliar application when target threshold has been reached (>5 aphids per leaf).	2.0 – 3.0 oz/A	Rates much lower for aphid management in hotbeds than for wireworms. Adjust accordingly to square feet.
	Spirotetramat (Movento)	Insecticide	Foliar applications when there is sufficient leaf cover for uptake and movement within the plant.	4 – 5 oz/A	Systemic insecticide. Must be tank mixed with spray additive/adjuvant. Use sufficient water volume to achieve thorough coverage of foliage.
	Flupyradifurone (Silvanto Prime)	Insecticide	Foliar	7.0 – 14.0 oz/A	Higher rates needed for green peach aphids.
	Thiamethoxam (Actara, Platinum)	Insecticide	Foliar	3.0 oz/A	Systemic insecticide. Use sufficient water volume to achieve thorough coverage of foliage.
	Pymetrozine (Fulfill)	Insecticide	Foliar	2.75 oz/A	Apply when aphids first appear before building to damaging levels.
	Pyrethrins (PyGanic 1.4EC)	Insecticide	Foliar contact.	Label rates.	OMRI certified. Short residual material.
	Insecticidal soap (M-Pede) and oils	Insecticide/miticide	Foliar contact.	2.5 oz/gal	OMRI certified. Contact insecticide with smothering and barrier effects.
	Biologicals: Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo)	WSG	Foliar contact.	3 – 4 TBSP per 1000 sq ft.	OMRI certified.
Armyworms, Western yellowstripe armyworm, loopers, corn earworms, hornworms	Methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F)	Insecticide	Foliar	6-10 fl oz/A	Effective on beet armyworm and Western yellowstripe armyworm larvae. Apply when feeding damage >30% foliage loss on more than 1/3 of field, or feeding damage noticed on exposed roots. 7 day PHI.
	Methoxyfenozide + spinetoram (Intrepid Edge)	Insecticide	Foliar	4.5 – 12 fl oz/A	Group 5 and Group 18 combination. Rotate to different classes after 2 consecutive applications.
	Spinosad (Success)	Insecticide	Foliar	3 – 6 fl oz/A	Reduced efficacy on western yellowstripe armyworm. Group 5 material, rotate to another insecticide class after 2 consecutive applications.
	Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen)	Insecticide	Foliar	3.5 – 7.5 fl oz/A	Foliar applications only for sweetpotatoes. Group 28 material, make no more than 3 applications per season.
	Novaluron (Rimon)	Insecticide	Foliar	6 – 12 fl oz/A	Group 15. 14 day PHI. Late season applications effective on leafminers and whitefly.
	Pyrethrins (bifenthrin [Warrior], lambda-cyhalothrin)	Insecticide	Foliar	See label.	Quick knockdown contact insecticides, Group 3A.
	Spinosad (Entrust)	Insecticide	Foliar	1 – 2 oz/A	OMRI certified. Group 5 material, rotate to another insecticide class after 2 consecutive applications.
	Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt: Dipel, Xentari, many others)	Insecticide	Foliar	See label; rate changes per formulation and strain.	OMRI certified. Best results with higher water application rates (50 gpa).
Morningglory leafminers	Novaluron (Rimon)	Insecticide	Foliar	6 – 12 fl oz/A	Group 15. One of the few products with efficacy on this pest, but usually needed only on very late season fields or field edges.
Whiteflies, leafhoppers	Flupyradifurone (Silvanto Prime)	Insecticide	Foliar	10.0 – 14 oz/A	Typically, chemical control is not needed. Higher rates needed for white flies as compared to aphids.
Whiteflies, leafhoppers	Novaluron (Rimon)	Insecticide	Foliar	12 fl oz/A	Group 15. Max 2 applications for whitefly management if needed in late season fields.
Mealy bugs	Pyrethrins	Insecticide	Fogger	See label.	Post harvest only inside of storage buildings, typically long term storage on certain varieties.
Fruit flies and gnats	Pyrethrins (Pyrenone)	Insecticide	Fogger	See label.	Post harvest only inside of storage buildings. Excessive fruit flies indicate a decay problem.

The use of brand names in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University of the products or services named nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.

Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance in North Carolina, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.