Fumigation as a Means of Eradicating Colorado Beetle in Imports of Potatoes, Grain and Timber

Abstract

Colorado beetle is not indigenous to the United Kingdom, but is often found in imported produce and is a serious pest of potato crops. The efficacy at 10°C of five fumigants was tested against diapausing beetles in the laboratory. Phosphine was the most effective giving 100 % kill in tests with a concentration time product of 6.7 g.h/m3; 100 % kill was also achieved in tests with: methyl bromide at 166 g.h/m3; carbon tetrachloride at 4000 g.h/m3; ethylene dichloride at 6240 g.h/m3; and 1,1,1‐trichloroethane at 11600 g.h/m3. A set of practical dosage schedules is given.