Managing Neonicotinoid Resistance in Colorado Potato Beetle
2008
- UW-Madison Russell Labs
Project Media
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae, and colonizing aphid species remain as the major insect pests of potato in commercial as well as seed production in Wisconsin. If left unchecked, feeding by both the larvae and adults of the CPB alone will completely defoliate plants. Potato growers have struggled to control this problematic insect pest since 1865 when the first broad-spectrum insecticide, Paris green (lead arsenate), was dusted onto potato leaves to protect the foliage from CPB. Since that time, maintaining control of this insect remains at the forefront of our efforts to protect potato from damaging insect pests.