Colorado Potato Beetle Control Research Articles

Functional response and control potential of adult Arma chinensis on Colorado potato beetle in Xinjiang, China

AbstractPotato is an important food crop. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is its key pest. CPBs are now resistant to several chemical pesticides, making their control more difficult. The predatory insect, Arma chinensis, is a natural enemy of other plant pests. We studied the predation of adult A. chinensis on CPB eggs and young larvae under indoor controlled conditions and its control of CPB in cages under outdoor conditions. Adult A. chinensis effectively reduces CPB egg and larva populations, and its predatory functional response aligns with Holling’s Type II model. A. chinensis adults released within outdoor cages reduced CPB populations. Based on the predation behavior of the adults of A. chinensis to CPB eggs and young larvae, A. chinensis is an efficient and potential predator.

RNAi targeting Nav and CPR via leaf delivery reduces adult emergence and increases the susceptibility to λ-cyholthin in Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), one of the most economically destructive pests of tomato, causes severe yields losses of tomato production globally. Rapid evolution of insecticide resistance requires the development of alternative control strategy for this pest. RNA interference (RNAi) represents a promising, innovative control strategy against key agricultural insect pests, which has recently been licensed for Colorado Potato Beetle control. Here two essential genes, voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) were evaluated as targets for RNAi using an ex vivo tomato leaf delivery system. Developmental stage-dependent expression profiles showed TaNav was most abundant in adult stages, whereas TaCPR was highly expressed in larval and adult stages. T. absoluta larvae feeding on tomato leaflets treated with dsRNA targeting TaNav and TaCPR showed significant knockdown of gene expression, leading to reduction in adult emergence. Additionally, tomato leaves treated with dsRNA targeting these two genes were significantly less damaged by larval feeding and mining. Furthermore, bioassay with LC30 doses of λ-cyholthin showed that silencing TaNav and TaCPR increased T. absoluta mortality about 32.2 and 17.4%, respectively, thus indicating that RNAi targeting TaNav and TaCPR could increase the susceptibility to λ-cyholthin in T. absoluta. This study demonstrates the potential of using RNAi targeting key genes, like TaNav and TaCPR, as an alternative technology for the control of this most destructive tomato pests in the future.

Isolation and identification of entomopathogenic fungi strains for Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) control.

The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the most widespread insect pest that causes major economic losses, especially on potatoes. Due to heavy insecticide use, this species now resists most pesticides, posing a significant control challenge. Frequent pesticide application also harms non-target organisms, the environment, and human health. Hence, utilizing biocontrol agents like entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) offers a viable alternative for pest management. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize new EPF strains isolated from soil samples and evaluate their efficacy against adult L. decemlineata under laboratory conditions. Soil samples were collected in potato fields or uncultivated areas adjacent to the field in the Czech Republic and the EPF strains were isolated using a modified Tenebrio bait method. A total of 20 fungal strains were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular markers based on the 28S rRNA, ITS, and elongation factor 1-alpha gene sequences as Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill., Beauveria brongniartii (Sacc.) Petch, and Cordyceps fumosorosea (Wize) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom.) Luangsa-ard, Houbraken, Hywel-Jones & Samson (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae), Metarhizium brunneum (Petch), and Metarhizium robertsii Bisch., Rehner & Humber (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). The bioassays revealed high variability among virulence of these strains against L. decemlineata with the shortest median time to death (LT50=5 days) in M. robertsii strain MAN3b. Results shown that some EPF strains, particularly those of genera Metarhizium, can be promising biocontrol agents against the Colorado potato beetle.

Efficacy of three bioinsecticides for control of Colorado potato beetle on potatoes

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of three commercial bioinsecticides based on the spores of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis. The control areas were areas where no protective measures were applied. The data showed that all bioinsecticides tested were highly effective against first, second and third instar larvae of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata. The drug “Bitoxibacillin” ensured 100% death of larvae on day 8 at a drug concentration of 10 g/l. Combined preparation “Bitoxibacillin + GUMI” containing spores of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis and sodium salts of humic acids, led to 100% death of larvae on the 7th day of observation. As the dosage of the drug was reduced to 5 mg/L, its effectiveness decreased to a 92% mortality rate within 9 days. The complex drug “Bitoxibacillin + Actarofid” contributed to 100% death of Colorado potato beetle larvae of all ages on the 7th day of observation at a concentration of 10 g/l. During the same time interval, 82% and 94% of the larvae died at drug concentrations of 2 mg/l and 5 mg/l, respectively.

Control of Colorado potato beetle on potato by isocycloseram, 2023

Control of Colorado potato beetle on potato by isocycloseram, 2023

Colorado potato beetle control in potato with tolfenpyrad in combination with adjuvants, 2023

Colorado potato beetle control in potato with tolfenpyrad in combination with adjuvants, 2023

Endophytic Strains of Bacillus thuringiensis for the Development of Means to Control Colorado Potato Beetle in Potato Crops

Endophytic Strains of Bacillus thuringiensis for the Development of Means to Control Colorado Potato Beetle in Potato Crops

Identification of leaf chloroplast-specific promoter to efficiently control of Colorado potato beetle with reduced dsRNA accumulation in potato tubers.

By expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in potato plastids targeting the β-Actin (ACT) gene of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), transplastomic plants can trigger the beetle's RNA interference response to kill the CPB larvae. High expression of dsACT driven by rrn16 promoter (Prrn) in the leaf chloroplasts of transplastomic plants confers strong resistance to CPB. However, there are still residual amounts of dsRNA in the tubers, which are unnecessary for CPB control and may raise a potential food exposure issue. In order to reduce dsRNA accumulation in the tubers while maintaining stable resistance to CPB, we selected two promoters (PrbcL and PpsbD) from potato plastid-encoded rbcL and psbD genes and compared their activities with Prrn promoter for dsRNA synthesis in the leaf chloroplasts and tuber amyloplasts. We found that the dsACT accumulation levels in leaves of transplastomic plants St-PrbcL-ACT and St-PpsbD-ACT were significantly reduced when compared to St-Prrn-ACT, but they still maintained high resistance to CPB. By contrast, a few amounts of dsACT were still accumulated in the tubers of St-PrbcL-ACT, whereas no dsACT accumulation in tubers was detectable in St-PpsbD-ACT. We identified PpsbD as a useful promoter to reduce dsRNA accumulation in potato tubers while maintaining the high resistance of the potato leaves to CPB. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Regional differences in susceptibility to spinosyn insecticides registered for Colorado potato beetle management in Canada

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is the most economically important pest of Canadian potato, and if left uncontrolled, it can completely consume the crop. In the past decade, the control of CPB has relied heavily on systemic insecticides, principally the neonicotinoids thiamethoxam and clothianidin. Resistance to neonicotinoids in CPB has been well documented in the past 2 decades and mechanisms underlying the resistance better understood. In contrast, resistance to other insecticide classes, including spinosyns (spinosad and spinetoram) and anthranillic diamides (chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole), have not been studied to the same degree in CPB. Spinosyns are the only insecticide certified for organic potato growers in Canada and are frequently applied as a mid-season foliar spray by conventional growers when seed treatments with neoniconitoid or diamide experience control breaks. Improved knowledge on resistance to spinosyns in CPB would allow for the development of regional management strategies. A survey of insecticide susceptibility in CPB populations from 6 potato growing regions between 2018 and 2022 observed: 1) spatial and temporal resistance trends; 2) cross-resistance; and 3) evidence of regional differences in susceptibility to spinosyns. The proportion of populations within each province considered resistant to spinosyns was, in descending order: Québec (16%) > Ontario (14%) > Manitoba (13%) > New Brunswick (9%) > Prince Edward Island (2%) > Alberta (0%). There was a significant change in CPB mortality at the diagnostic concentration (DC = LC90) for spinosad and spinetoram in the 6 provinces but only for year 5 relative to the previous 4 years. Moderate cross-resistance was determined between spinosad and spinetoram with the DC mortality for all populations based on a positive and significant correlation (adjusted R2 = 0.3758; P = 1.263e−13). There was also a positive relationship observed between the number of spinosyn applications (years applied at the sampling location) and declining susceptibility to spinosad (R2 = 0.0927; P < 0.002). Cross-resistance was observed between spinosyns and insecticides in the other two classes, the more significant correlation was between spinosad and tetraniliprole (R2 = 0.3025; P < 0.0002). In Québec, the greater spinosad use in organic potato farms led to resistance in those CPB populations, but spinosyn resistance at conventional farms was not related to greater application of neonicotinoids and diamides. Spinosyns remain relatively effective, nevertheless growers should be concerned over the increasing cases of reduced susceptibility in conventional potato farms and resistance where organic production occurs. Resistance management should continue to encourage rotation with products from the other classes in season and between years in order to extend spinosyn use for CPB control.

Control of Colorado Potato Beetle on Potato With CX-2330, 2022

Control of Colorado Potato Beetle on Potato With CX-2330, 2022

Unveiling gene expression regulation of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa toxin receptor ADAM10 by the potato dietary miR171c in Colorado potato beetle.

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is a worldwide devastating pest of potato plants and other Solanaceae characterized by its remarkable ability to evolve resistance to insecticides. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry3Aa toxin represents an environmentally safe alternative for CPB control but larvae susceptibility to this toxin has been reported to vary depending on the host plant on which larvae feed. To gain more insight into how nutrition mediates Bt tolerance through effects on gene expression, here we explored the post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) of the CPB-ADAM10 gene encoding the Cry3Aa toxin functional receptor ADAM10. The lower CPB-ADAM10 gene expression in CPB larvae fed on potato plants cv. Vivaldi than those fed on potato cv. Monalisa or tomato plants was inversely related to Cry3Aa toxicity. By high-throughput sequencing we identified seven CPB miRNAs and one potato miRNA predicted to base pair with the CPB-ADAM10 messenger RNA. No differential expression of the endogenous lde-miR1175-5p was found in larvae feeding on any of the two potato plant varieties. However, statistically significant increased amounts of potato stu-miR171c-5p were detected in CPB larvae fed on potato cv. Vivaldi compared to larvae fed on potato cv. Monalisa. Our results support a role for dietary miRNAs in Bt toxicity by regulating the CPB-ADAM10 gene encoding the Cry3Aa toxin receptor ADAM10 in CPB larvae and opening up the possibility of exploiting plant natural variation in miRNAs to provide more sustainable potato crop protection against CPB. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Low-Dose Insecticide Combinations for Colorado Potato Beetle Control

Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is the most notorious and problematic insect defoliator pest of potato. It is well known for its ability to develop resistance to chemical insecticides, so novel treatment methods must be developed. A possible solution is the application of newer groups of insecticides (biotechnical and biological insecticides) which are more selective and to which resistance has not yet been recorded. This work investigated the use of ecologically acceptable insecticide treatments: azadirachtin, spinosad and spinetoram, and their combinations against CPB larvae in laboratory and field conditions. Reduced dosing and combinational treatments were used to determine if effective protection against CPB could be achieved while also improving economic results. Our results from laboratory trials showed that combinations of low-dose azadirachtin (25%) and low-dose spinetoram (5%) are suitable for use in CPB integrated pest management. The results of the field trial showed that the use of 50% reduced dosage of spinosad and spinetoram resulted in high efficacy (89–99%) and can be recommended as a treatment method that provides effective control of CPB, improved economic results, and a positive environmental impact. Based on the advantages that these treatments offer compared to chemical insecticides, further work is recommended to determine if these combinational treatments used in other dosages or in combinations with some other ecologically acceptable insecticides can provide satisfactory control of CPB.

Insecticidal proteins and their potential use for Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata [Say, 1824]) control

Plants respond to pest attack, among other mechanisms, by producing specific proteins with insecticidal properties. Proteins with toxic effects on insects have also been discovered in many other organisms, especially fungi and bacteria. Due to their biological function, insecticidal proteins represent an important potential in the development of more environmentally friendly plant protection methods. Increasing knowledge about the mode of action of insecticidal proteins and the identification of genes encoding their synthesis enable the breeding of transgenic plants resistant to insect pests and the development of new bioinsecticidal agents. The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is one of the most important pests of potato, so the study of such control methods is crucial for the development of sustainable integrated pest management strategies of potato. This review highlights the properties of some groups of insecticidal proteins and their modes of action, and summarizes examples of studies of their use for the control of Colorado potato beetle.

Efficacy of indigenous isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) against the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

BackgroundThe Colorado potato beetle (CPB) Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most damaging pests of potatoes all over the world as well as in Turkey. Both adults and larvae of this pest feed on the foliage of potatoes, and often cause complete defoliation of potato plants, with considerable yield losses of up to 60%. Chemical control of this pest has induced the selection of resistant CPB populations and negative environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of 14 Turkish isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) against different stages of CPB under laboratory conditions.ResultsAll isolates were tested as conidial suspensions of (1 × 107 conidia/ml), using spray method. The results from pathogenicity assays showed that virulence of tested isolates was variable, and mortality increased with the time of exposure. The highest mortality was seen in larvae of CPB; however, young larvae (1st and 2nd instars) were more susceptible to fungal isolates than older ones (3rd and 4th instars). Four isolates (BbDm-1, BbDs-2, BbMg-2, and BbMp-1) were more pathogenic than others against L. decemlineata, causing mortalities between 96.7 and 100% in the 2 youngest larval instars, respectively, between 91.7 and 96.7% in the 2 oldest larval instars, respectively, and between 93.3 and 96.7% in 0–48-h-old adults, respectively, 9 days post treatment. Furthermore, these 4 isolates had the most potent egg-hatching inhibitory effects (66.7–90%). The results of molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS region sequence indicated that all tested B. bassiana isolates showed a high similarity (99%) with other B. bassiana isolates in GenBank.ConclusionsResults suggested that the 4 B. bassiana isolates were highly virulence and had the potential for biological control of CPB. Further tests under field conditions are recommended to validate the laboratory results.

Effects of insecticides and synergistic chemicals on the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) against Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is considered as one of the most important pests of potato plants. Control of CPB is mainly based on chemical insecticides. However, control failure is often reported because of the rapid resistance development ability of CPB; therefore, there is an urgent need for integrated control methods. In this study, we evaluated the combined usage of insecticides chlorantraniliprole, spinosad, and spinetoram, which are registered for CPB control, with the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae).In addition, the efficacy of S. feltiae on a chlorantraniliprole-resistant CPB population exposed to synergistic chemicals PBO (Piperonyl butoxide), DEM (Diethyl maleate) and DEF (S,S,S-tributylphorotrithioate) inhibiting certain detoxification enzyme groups was determined. The tested insecticides showed no adverse effect on the survival and infectivity of S. feltiae and the isolate was considered compatible with integrated CPB control. This study also showed that pre-treatment with synergistic chemicals (particularly PBO and DEM) increased the efficacy of S. feltiae against CPB. To our knowledge, this is the first study determining the usage of entomopathogenic nematode + synergist combination. Therefore, further studies on the potential use of synergistic chemicals in combination with entomopathogenic nematodes should be performed under both laboratory and field conditions.

Evaluation of an Experimental Systemic Insecticide Applied as Either an In-Furrow or Seed Treatment for the Control of Colorado Potato Beetle on Potato in Wisconsin, 2020

Evaluation of an Experimental Systemic Insecticide Applied as Either an In-Furrow or Seed Treatment for the Control of Colorado Potato Beetle on Potato in Wisconsin, 2020

Efficacy of Two Experimental Bt tenebrionis Formulations for the Control of Colorado Potato Beetle on Potatoes at Two Locations in Virginia, 2020

Efficacy of Two Experimental <i>Bt tenebrionis</i> Formulations for the Control of Colorado Potato Beetle on Potatoes at Two Locations in Virginia, 2020

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

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.

Azadirachtin Efficacy in Colorado Potato Beetle and Western Flower Thrips Control

Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and western flower thrips (WFT) are agricultural pests which are difficult to control due to resistance developed to many classes of insecticides. A botanical insecticide azadirachtin could represent an ecologically acceptable alternative for their management. This research tested the efficacy of azadirachtin on CPB and WFT mortality and feeding intensity, as well as thrips oviposition. Azadirachtin was used in three doses in laboratory trials. The results showed that this botanical insecticide was effective on larval stages of CPB and reduced the damages on treated leaves, but did not cause significant mortality or reduction in feeding intensity of the adults. It was not sufficiently effective against the WFT adults either, but it reduced the feeding damage on leaves and prevented egg laying. The results indicated that, even though azadirachtin did not have a significant adverse effect on the adult CPB and WFT insects, it reduced the overall population by affecting the CPB larvae or feeding intensity and egg laying in WFT. Antifeedant and anti-ovipositional activities, as shown in the case of WFT, should also be considered when assessing azadirachtin efficacy on insect pests.

EFFICIENCY OF A NEW PREPARATION BAGRETS PLUS, KS FOR PRE-PLANT TREATMENT OF POTATOES TUBERS

The research results of the biological and economic efficiency of the Bagrets Plus, KS dressing agent in the period 2019–2020 for the pre-planting treatment of seed tubers for the control of Rhizoctonia rot, common scab and Colorado potato beetle are presented.