Effects of Dicofol on Survivorship and Oviposition of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and on Field Plant Protection

Abstract

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the potential importance of deco fol in the management of Colorado potato beetle (COB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Laboratory experiments determined the effects of dicofol-treated (0.37 and 0.55 g [AI]/liter) and non treated potato, Solarium tuberose tuberose L. cv. Pang, foliage on survivorship and egg mass production of CPR. Corresponding field experiments determined the effects of deco fol on abundance and damage of COB and subsequent yield of potato. Survivorship and egg mass production of COB were significantly lower on dicofol-treated than on non treated foliage. Females produced 0.55 ± 0.03 egg masses per female per day on non treated foliage compared with zero or nearly zero egg masses per female per day on foliage treated with 0.37 and 0.55 g (AI)/liter of dicofol, respectively. In the field, abundance and damage of COB were significantly lower on dicofol-treated plants than on non treated plants. Tuber yields of dicofol-treated plants were 3.4-5.9 times greater than those of non treated plants, comparable to those of plants treated with the current insecticide standard for COB management in New Jersey. The potential of deco fol in COB management programs is discussed.