Peanut Fungicides: Effect on Survival and Development of the Corn Earworm, Fall Armyworm, and Velvetbean Caterpillar1

Abstract The fungicides chlorothalonil, tebuconazole, and propiconazole commonly used for control of peanut diseases were evaluated for activity against the corn earworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)], fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)], and velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner). Chlorothalonil most adversely affected early establishment and survival of neonates of all three insect species on peanut terminal buds. Chlorothalonil also decreased the weight of larvae of all three species at 10 d and extended the time to pupation for fall armyworm and velvetbean caterpillar larvae. Similarly, tebuconazole adversely affected early survival and establishment, decreased 10-d weight and extended time to pupation of corn earworm and velvetbean caterpillar larvae, but had little effect on fall armyworm larvae. Propiconazole had no effect on establishment and survival of corn earworm and fall armyworm larvae on peanut terminals, and actually increased the weight of 10-d-old larvae for al...