Influence of Conservation Tillage Practices on Populations of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Rotated and Nonrotated Tomato Fields

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Abstract
Field experiments were conducted in conventional-till (CT) and no-till (NT) tomatoes in both rotated and nonrotated fields to determine effects of different cultural practices on population trends of Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). CPB were more abundant in CT than in NT plots in both rotated and nonrotated tomato fields. Earlier colonization of overwintered adults in CT plots resulted in higher egg mass densities and subsequent infestation of first-generation larvae and adults. In treatments where fenvalerate was applied to control CPB populations above economic thresholds, four spray applications were required in CT plots, compared with two applications in NT. Tomato fruit yield and soil moisture content were greater in NT than in CT plots in the rotated field.