Insecticides were evaluated at Mississippi State University in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Insecticides were applied on 31 May in a spray chamber equipped with a single Spraying Systems TX3 hollow cone nozzle and calibrated for 5 gpa at a pressure of 28 psi and a speed of 3 mph. Carrier of the insecticides was water, with an initial pH of 8.0. Plant bugs were collected the morning of application by sweeping wild flowers with a 15 inch diameter sweep net. Leaves were collected in the field and transported to the lab where leaf disks 48 mm in diameter were cut and placed in 50 x 11 mm Petri dishes with two filter papers moistened with four drops of water to keep the leaf turgid. The leaf disks were then sprayed and allowed to dry before being infested. Four leaf disks with five plant bugs each were used per treatment and replicate. The bioassay was maintained in darkness at 80° F for 24 h prior to evaluation.

It is well known that the varying geometrical relationship between the Sun and the Earth within a year as well as the inorbit ageing, affect in to some degree the performance of the instruments on-board the Earth orbiting satellites. Following the successful launch and commissioning of the Metop-A satellite, the in-orbit performance of the AVHRR, HIRS and AMSU-A instruments have been continuously monitored. The data acquired since the launch of the satellite has been analysed in order to detect any potential ageing or seasonal effects that might affect instrument performance.

This chapter presents various application methods, formulations and biological considerations on the modes of action of mycopesticides used to control insects, weeds, nematodes, and fungal pathogens. It also includes some important concepts in spray application and case studies on mycopesticide application.

Fifteen insecticide treatments were evaluated for efficacy on cotton located in Attala county, MS, on the Weldon Harris farm. Cotton was planted in a 2-1 skip pattern and plots were 6 rows wide × 50 ft long. A RCBD with 3 replications was used. Applications were made 24 Aug with a high clearance spray tractor equipped with a compressed air spray system with TX4 hollow cone nozzles spaced at 19 inches and positioned approximately 16 inches above the terminals. Applications were made at 4 mph with the system calibrated to give 5 gal/acre total volume in a water carrier. Two samples were taken per plot using a 3 ft drop cloth, and results were recorded as number of larvae per 3 row ft. Pretreatment and 3 DAT counts were made on alternate rows, and sites were chosen which had evidence of leaf feeding by armyworms.

Insecticides were evaluated at the Plant Science Research Farm, Mississippi State, MS, in a RCB design with 4 replications. Plot size was 4 rows wide (38 inch spacing) by 50 ft long with 4 unsprayed buffer rows between plots. Insecticides applied in-furrow at planting on 10 May were applied with belt cone applicators (Temik 15G) or by CO2-powered plot applicators with a single 9001VF flat fan nozzle per row turned to direct the spray into the seed furrow and calibrated to apply 10 gpa at 2 mph (Orthene 90S at 1.1 lb[AI]/acre and Admire 2F). Insecticides were applied on 7 Jun with a high clearance spray tractor equipped with two TX4 hollow cone nozzles spaced at 19 inches and calibrated for 5 gpa at a pressure of 35 psi and a speed of 4 mph. Carrier of the insecticides was water, with an initial pH of 8.0. Five plants/plot were collected at random by cutting plants at ground level with scissors and gently placing them in Ziploc bags for transportation to the lab. Samples were then washed with a mixture of Clorox, water and a drop of dishwashing detergent into a sieve with 125 micron openings. Thrips were then washed onto filter paper for counting, and adults were identified to species by use of a dissection microscope. Representative insects were identified to species by use of phase contrast microscopy. Plots were not harvested.