Survey of Insecticide and Miticide Usage by 158 Nurseries in Pennsylvania

Of 254 nurserymen surveyed in 7 Pennsylvania counties in 1979, 158 responded. Respondents used 3719.5 kg (8184 lb) of insecticides/miticides with an estimated cost of $64,436. They applied an average of 2.5 kg (2.2 lb/a) ai/ha. Seven pesticides accounted for 88.7% of the 29 pesticides used. The nurserymen tended to use low to moderate toxicity chemicals (96%); 74% used power spray equipment and 47% used wetting agents. The most commonly reported pests are listed.