Imidacloprid seed treatments for the control of springtails in seedling brassicas

Abstract

Two pot trials and two field trials were conducted to evaluate imidacloprid seed treatments for springtail control in forage brassica seedlings Imidacloprid at rates from 175 to 210 g ai/kg seed reduced garden springtail (Bourletiella hortensis) and lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis) numbers by 6888 relative to the untreated controls Springtail damage was reduced and seedling establishment enhanced Imidacloprid proved as or more effective than furathiocarb or thiodicarb seed treatments and phorate granules Imidacloprid seed treatment had no adverse effect on either brassica germination or early seedling growth