INSECT PESTS 221 



Viereck, OphionbilineatuS Say, Euplectrus platyhypenae Howard, 

 Frontina archippivora Scudder, Archytas piliventris Van der Wulp. 

 Thirteen species of birds and a large number of insects are listed (93) 

 as enemies of the fall armyworm. 



Insecticides in the form of dusts, sprays and poison baits have been 

 used in control of fall armyworm on various crops. References to 

 recommended procedures are too numerous to cite. On peanuts, cryolite 

 dust containing approximately 90 percent sodium fluoaluminate has been 

 effective when applied at the rate of 20 pounds per acre. Other materials 

 which have given effective control in Alabama include DDT, toxaphene 

 and parathion (6, 7). A 2.5 percent DDT dust is effective against small 

 larvae but may not kill mature caterpillars. A 5 percent material applied at 

 the rate of 20 pounds per acre is recommended for full-grown caterpillars. 

 Ten percent toxaphene applied at the same rate is also recommended. 

 Two percent parathion is effective but, because of its acute toxicity to 

 warm-blooded animals, it is not recommended for general use by peanut 

 farmers. 



Where a combination insecticidal-fungicidal dust containing 2.5 per- 

 cent DDT is applied at intervals during the summer for leafhopper and 

 leafspot control, fall armyworm is usually controlled Satisfactorily on 

 peanuts ( 160) . If weather conditions and timing of applications are such 

 that a population of full-grown caterpillars develops, it may be necessary 

 to apply 5 percent DDT at the rate of 20 to 30 pounds per acre in order 

 to effect control. Ten percent toxaphene and cryolite appear to be slightly 

 more effective against the mature larvae than DDT at concentrations 

 of 5 percent and less. DDT and toxaphene are not recommended on 

 peanut hay within 4 weeks of harvest. 



Corn Earworm y^ 



Importance. The corn earworm, Heliothis armigera (Hbn.), attacks 

 growing peanuts and frequently causes light to moderate damage. Oc- 

 casionally, severe outbreaks of the insect occur. The writer has observed 

 rather severe damage in 1946 and 1949 over widespread areas in south- 

 eastern Alabama. The caterpillars feed on the foliage of peanuts, ragging 

 the plants and in some instances defoliating them. This insect not in- 

 frequently occurs in mixed populations with velvetbean caterpillar and 

 fall armyworm. Heavy losses in yield from defoliation or from severe 

 ragging of leaves may occur. Although corn earworm may be considered 

 one of the major pests of peanuts during certain seasons in Alabama, 

 Florida and Georgia, entomological literature contains almost no references 



