Effects of a Prototype Pneumatic Machine to Control the Colorado Potato Beetle on Potato Plant Growth and Tuber Yield

Abstract

HighlightsA prototype pneumatic machine used to control the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) had no effect on potato plant growth.Yields in pneumatic treatment plots were comparable to those of control plots treated with a biological insecticide.Pneumatic control of the CPB could be an alternative to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides in potato fields.Abstract. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is the major insect pest of potato plants. Currently, the most effective method for controlling the CPB is to apply chemical insecticides throughout its lifecycle. However, the CPB has the ability to resist most chemical insecticides. Control of this insect pest has therefore become extremely difficult, prompting researchers to explore effective alternatives. The use of pneumatic methods to control the CPB is a promising alternative to chemical means. The objective of this study was to develop an effective pneumatic control method for the CPB to reduce the reliance on chemical insecticides in potato fields. In this context, a prototype pneumatic machine was designed and built. The prototype uses positive air pressure to dislodge CPBs from potato foliage, deposit them on the ground between the rows, and crush them. The effects of three airflow velocities (45, 50, and 55 m s-1) and two tractor travel speeds (5 and 6 km h-1) on CPB control, plant growth, and tuber yield were investigated in potato plots. Overall, the results showed no significant differences in yield between treatments (p = 0.3268), indicating that the yield of potato plants treated with the prototype was comparable to that of plants treated with a biological insecticide (Entrust). In addition, the prototype did not have any negative effects on plant growth. This suggests that the prototype could be safely and efficiently used in potato fields to control the CPB. The success of this innovative control method could greatly contribute to reducing the use of chemical insecticides to control the CPB. Keywords: Airflow velocity, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), Pneumatic control, Potato, Travel speed.