How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2014 Efficiency and Economic Feasibility of Pest Control Systems in Watermelon Cropping
C.H.O. Lima, R. A. Sarmento, J. F. Rosado, M.C.A.C. Silveira, G. R. Santos, M. Pedro Neto, E.A.L. Erasmo, I. R. Nascimento, M. C. Picanço
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the efficiency and feasibility of two different watermelon pest control systems on pest infestations, natural enemies, and on the productivity and sustainability of watermelon cropping. Two independent experiments were carried out during the dry season of 2011. Both experiments were carried out using a randomized block experimental design, with three treatments; weekly application of pesticide (WAP), integrated pest management (IPM), and nonpesticide application (control); and four replicates. Arthropods sampling was performed every 2 d by direct counting at five randomly selected points in each plot. Samples were taken by beating the leaves from the apical portion of the plant against a white plastic tray. Arthropods that moved along the soil surface were sampled weekly using pitfall traps. Both WAP and IPM treatments negatively affected the arthropod population. We conclude that IPM is an attractive strategy for watermelon cropping both economically and environmentally because it provides the grower with an option to lower production cost, achieves the same production, and there is less need for pesticide application when compared with the prophylactic control treatment when pesticides are applied on a weekly basis. This has not been reported for watermelon before.

© 2014 Entomological Society of America
C.H.O. Lima, R. A. Sarmento, J. F. Rosado, M.C.A.C. Silveira, G. R. Santos, M. Pedro Neto, E.A.L. Erasmo, I. R. Nascimento, and M. C. Picanço "Efficiency and Economic Feasibility of Pest Control Systems in Watermelon Cropping," Journal of Economic Entomology 107(3), 1118-1126, (1 June 2014). https://doi.org/10.1603/EC13512
Received: 25 November 2013; Accepted: 1 April 2014; Published: 1 June 2014
JOURNAL ARTICLE
9 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Citrullus lanatus
integrated pest management
production cost
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top