Management of the cowpea curculio

Cowpea curculio is the key insect pest of southern peas. In 2010 and 2011 multiple reports of curculio outbreaks lead to field tests to evaluate efficacy of insecticides in southern peas. There are no labeled insecticides that adequately control this pest at the current time. UGA entomologists evaluated insecticide sprays at flowering in 2010 and prior to flowering in 2011 using standard pyrethroids and unlabeled materials. The results indicated that, in either crop, the standard pyrethroid treatments did not provide enough control. Only oxamyl (Vydate, currently not labeled in southern pea) significantly reduced stung peas relative to the untreated check in both years across all pea varieties. The traditional methods of pest control include planting more tolerant cultivars, the use of effective and properly timed insecticide applications, and possibly cultural controls to reduce the populations of the curculio at a given site. With the potential loss of pyrethroid efficacy, the main insecticide class used, this pest management program is threatened along with southern pea production in the state. The UGA scientists have developed information on the use of oxamyl that can be used to apply for a special local needs label.