Field Efficacy of Steinernema sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) on the Colorado Potato Beetle Overwintering Generation

Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an economic pest of potato that has developed resistance to all classes of chemical insecticides, thus requiring alternative control measures. As a potential solution, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have proven effective in suppressing this pest, but their efficacy against overwintering generations of CPB in Croatia has not been sufficiently researched. The aim of this two-year (2018-2019) field study was to determine the efficacy of Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae applied to overwintering CPB adults. EPNs were applied at three doses (7.5 mil./10 m(2), 5.0 mil./10 m(2) (the recommended dose) and 2.5 mil./10 m(2)) by watering the soil where the adults were overwintering. The first-year results were satisfactory for both EPNs: the efficacy of S. feltiae ranged from 79.03% to 100.00%, while the efficacy of S. carpocapsae ranged from 77.32% to 96.22%. In the second year, the highest efficacy (69.57%) was obtained using the recommended dose of S. feltiae. Although the results are not consistent across the two years of our study and suggest further research, they indicate that EPNs have great potential in controlling overwintering CPB generations to reduce first generation abundance and damage, and also to prevent the spread of new generations to surrounding potato growing areas.

Automated summary

The Colorado potato beetle is an economic pest of potatoes that has developed resistance to chemical insecticides, thus alternative control measures are needed. A two-year study found that entomopathogenic nematodes have potential in controlling overwintering populations of the beetle to reduce damage and prevent new generations from spreading to surrounding potato growing areas.