Colorado beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) – one of the most dangerous potatoes and other potatoes (eggplant, tomato) pests.
These bright yellow striped beetles and their orange larvae can remove large potato fields in a short period of time, softening the leaves, thus reducing the harvest.
It is therefore very important to recognize these pests in a timely manner and take effective eradication measures.
How to recognize Colorado beetles?
- Adult beetles: There are oval shapes, about 1 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. Their body is yellow with ten black longitudinal streaks on the wings.
- Larvae: The young larvae are reddish -brown, later becoming orange or red -orange with two rows of black dots. They are dome -shaped and can reach up to 1.5 cm in length.
- Eggs: There are yellow or orange, oval, about 1.5 mm long. The ticks lay eggs in groups of dozens of the lower side of the leaves.
Damage caused by Colorado beetles:
Both adult beetles and their larvae feed on potato leaves. Initially, they crumble small holes and then can completely destroy the leaves, leaving only the stems.
As a result, plants cannot carry photosynthesis, weaken and significantly reduce the yield. A large pest population can completely destroy the potato field within weeks.
Effective Measures of Kolorado Beetles:
Various tools are used to fight Colorado, from mechanical and agrotechnical to chemical and biological.
It is important to choose the most appropriate way or their combination, depending on the population of the pests, the potato growth stage and the desired level of effect.
1. Mechanical and agrotechnical measures:
- Manual election: In small areas, adult beetles and larvae can be collected by hand and destroy them. It is effective at an early stage until the population is large.
- Egg destruction: Regularly examining the lower half of the leaves and destroying the egg groups can reduce the number of new generation larvae.
- Soil loosening: In the autumn and spring, the soil can be destroyed by wintering adult beetles.
- Crops: By changing the potato growing site every year, the pest population can be reduced in the soil.
- Varieties resistance: Choose potato varieties that are more resistant to Colorado beetles. Although there are no completely resistant varieties, some are less vulnerable.
2. Biological measures:
- Natural enemies: Some insects and microorganisms are natural enemies of Colorado beetles. These can be predatory bugs, boots, golden, as well as certain fungi and bacteria. Promoting the population of natural enemies (such as planting flowering plants that attract useful insects) can naturally control the number of pests.
- Biological insecticides: preparations containing Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria, are effective against young larvae. They are less toxic to the environment and other useful organisms than chemical insecticides.
3. Chemicals:
- Insecticides: Chemical insecticides may be required for large pests. It is important to choose the right preparation based on the potato growth stage and the pest development phase. Strictly follow the instructions and the use of safeguards. It should be remembered that Colorado beetles quickly acquire resistance to the same active insecticide ingredient, so it is recommended to replace the preparations used.
Prevention is better than treatment:
Although the destruction measures are important, prevention also plays a major role in controlling the Colorado beetle population. Regular inspection of fields, early pest detection and proper agrotechnics can help prevent major losses.
If you notice and properly respond to the influx of Colorado beetles, you can save potato harvest and ensure successful cultivation. Be alert and take care of your potato fields!
Photos associative © canva
Source: https://www.bc.ua/
Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.
