What role does crop scouting play in using INVITE effectively?
A. Correctly timing the application of INVITE-plus-insecticide is critical to reaping maximum benefit from the program. the spray mix must be applied before adult, female CRW beetles lay their eggs in the soil, to suppress larval pressure the following year.The first spray should be 10 to 21 days after the beetle emergence, or when female, adult beetles are 10 percent gravid. The second spray, if needed, typically is applied 10 to 14 days later. Normally, CRW beetles lay eggs 14 to 17 days after emergence. Residual toxicity for 28 days after application of insecticide plus INVITE means a two-spray program almost always will be effective throughout the majority of the egg-laying period. After the second application, population maximum should not exceed one-half beetle per plant, to negate the need for soil insecticide the following year.Crop scouting also is useful in determining whether or not a soil insecticide is needed at the beginning of a growing season following spray treatment o
