Abstract

In Zimbabwe, bollworms are the most destructive pests of cotton, capable of causing yield losses of up to 60%. Evaluation of new insecticides to complement those already on the market is an important part of bollworms control strategy. Trials were conducted at Cotton Research Institute (Kadoma), Kuwirirana (Gokwe) and Umguza (Matebeleland North) to evaluate the efficacy of Cartap hydrochloride 50SP on the control of red bollworm in cotton for three cropping seasons 2010/2011 to 2012/2013. The efficacy of the insecticide on predators was also assessed. The trials had five treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated 4 times. Cartap Hydrochloride 50SP was evaluated at three rates, 800, 1000 and 1200 g/ha in comparison with untreated control and Carbaryl 85WP as the standard. Cartap Hydrochloride 50SP gave best performance in red bollworm control in seasons 2011-2012 to 2012-2013 at CRI, Kuwirana and Umguza at dosage rates 800, 1,000 and 1,200 g/ha. Cartap Hydrochloride 50SP was recommended for registration on red bollworm control in Zimbabwe at the rate of 800-1,200 g/ha.

Key words: Cartap Hydrochloride 50SP, Cabaryl 85WP, Diparopsis castanea.