Physical Control of Colorado Beetle
in Comparison with Bio-insecticide

Researchers
Dr. Nabil Rifai
Dr. Táborský (Czech University of Agriculture)

Background
The Colorado Potato Beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) has the capability to cause total defoliation of potato plants, making it necessary to spend an enormous amount every year to control the pest. While traditional chemical synthetic pesticides are highly effective, after a certain time pests are able to develop resistance. As a result, it is necessary to reach continuously for new effective substances. This is very expensive process. Furthermore, there is considerably increasing contamination of the environment and risk of residue in agricultural produce. In an effort to curtail this vicious circle of pesticide resistance, this project was developed.

Objectives
Three different methods of controlling Colorado Potato Beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) in potatoes and their combination were compared under field conditions: 1) bio-insecticide Bacillus thuringien as M-Track, Bio-collector, 3) combination of propane flamer followed by bio-insecticide, 4) combination of propane flamer and Bio-Collector, 5) combination of Bio-collector and bio-insecticide, 6) combination of bio-insecticide and Bio-collector, 7) no treatment.

Duration
This research was initiated in April 1997 and completed in September, 1999.

Results & Conclusions
It is possible that neither the pneumatic, nor the flame control of Colorado Potato Beetles will ever reach the level of the effectiveness that is required in conventional agriculture. The greatest advantage of these methods is however, the cost of the treatment which is much lower compared with the bio-pesticide or other pesticide sprays. Unfortunately, this advantage is outweighed by the recently high price of the equipment, which is due to its low production. Most probably we can expect these methods to find their place in organic agriculture. However, the use of bio-treatment will be much wider, and will probably gradually replace other means. In particular, great expansion can be expected in the use of genetically modified plants with genes for bio-pesticides-toxins, proliferation of which is so regulated that it allows production of the toxin only in case the pest starts feeding on the plant or of other special.

Potential Industry Benefits
Influence the overall control efficacy of pests with less usage of chemicals.

Partners
Funded by Canada, Nova Scotia, Agreement on the Agricultural Components of the Green Plan.