Bio-collector as an Alternative Method fro the Control
of the Colorado Potato Beetle in Organic Farming

Researchers
Dr. Bartošová (Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra)
Dr. Nabil Rifai

Background
Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata [say], is the most important defoliator of the potato crop in Europe and Eastern North America. Heavy reliance on pesticides for control has resulted in severe problems of insecticide resistance in some areas and potential ones in the others. Alternative strategies are required to maintain control levels and to minimize environmental degradation by agrochemicals. In an effort to curtail the cycle of resistance, scientists have lately concentrated their efforts on the development of control methods which utilize alternative strategies to diminish beetle populations in potato fields. These strategies include the use of physical, biological and unconventional chemical control measures. It has been estimated that without controls, approximately 39% of the crop would be lost every year and that with control, less than 3% of the crop is lost by insects.

Objectives
The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the field scale bio-collector in relation to different life stages of the potato beetle and different parameters of the machine.

Duration
The research was initiated in April, 1997 and completed in March 1999.

Results & Conclusions
Insect control by bio-collector has room to be used on all organic farms with considerable vegetable areas. This pest control method could be of interest in relation to production of pesticide-free vegetables for infant food. Although the bio-collector operates effectively, it does not collect the insect eggs, and with all the other possible methods, it is necessary to make a second or even third drive, depending on the amount of the remaining insects. The expected development of resistance to new insecticides, the increasing development of costs of these products, and the increased demand for potatoes free of pesticide residues may contribute into making pneumatic control of Colorado potato beetle an interesting alternative for farmers.

Potential Industry Benefits
Industry would benefit as less man power is required to control the Colorado potato beetle.

Partners
This project was funded by Canada, Nova Scotia, Agreement on the Agricultural Components of the Green Plan.