Timing of Insecticides for Control of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Eastern Virginia Based on Differential Susceptibility of Life Stages

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Abstract
Cyfluthrin, fenvalerate, and oxamyl + carbofuran were the most effective insecticides tested for control of all life stages of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Rotenone and cryolite gave adequate control of small and large larvae and cryolite application significantly reduced numbers of overwintered and first generation adults in field experiments. Larvae mortality was delayed in triflumuron treatments, but field application preceded by an adulticide resulted in effective control and high tuber yield. Treatments in which different insecticides were alternated during the growing season resulted in commercially acceptable control and tuber yield. Analysis of L. decemlineata age distribution revealed that one specific life stage is predominant at any given time during the growing season. Choice of an insecticide can then be made based on the life stage present. The integration of various insecticides into a Colorado potato beetle management program is discussed.