Effects of Insecticidal Placement on Non-Target Arthropods in the Peanut Ecosystem¹

Three methods of applying insecticides to irrigated peanuts for soil insect suppression were compared to evaluate their impact on non-target arthropods. Insecticides were applied as basal directed sprays, broadcast sprays and granules. D-vac suction samples were utilized to compare population densities of non-target arthropods at regular intervals after insecticide application. All application methods showed immediate reductions in most non-target arthropod populations. Granular insecticide applications had the least detrimental impact on non-target arthropods and broadcast sprays the greatest.