The effects of application technique on the efficacy of imidacloprid (Admire 2F) against the tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae Blackman) in Connecticut cigar wrapper tobacco were investigated from 1995 to 1998. Imidacloprid was efficacious when applied as a greenhouse transplant treatment, as soil broadcast or drench treatments before or at transplanting, as a band application at cultivation, and as a foliar spray. Imidacloprid applied at or before transplanting resulted in long but not full-season control of tobacco aphids. A single soil application of imidacloprid resulted in aphid control equal to or better than applications of oxamyl (Vydate L) or foliar applications of acephate (Orthene). Foliar applications of imidacloprid were less effective than soil or transplant applications, and multiple applications were required to extend control during the field season. (Aphid infestations are most damaging in mid- to late season in Connecticut). Imidacloprid efficacy was extended by increasing the rate from 0.19 to 0.38 kg (Al)/ha, or by a band application adjacent to plants at the last cultivation. Successful band treatment required adequate soil moisture and irrigation to move the insecticide into the root zone. The addition of a band treatment did not extend control in 1997, when soils were dry and the crop was not irrigated. Conversely, band treatment at the last cultivation extended efficacy in 1998; and irrigation further extended efficacy of the treatment to season-long control.