Contemporary integrated pest management of Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, is a major insect pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the United States (USA). Native to the Rocky Mountains of the USA, CPB has successfully expanded its range throughout much of the potato-growing regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Both larvae and adult CPB feed on foliage and have the capacity to defoliate plants completely and cause significant yield loss if unmanaged. CPB management is difficult due to their ability to evolve insecticide resistance rapidly, having successfully developed insensitivity to almost every major class of registered insecticide. Effective management relies on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, including cultural practices that disrupt colonization and overwintering success, and use of selective insecticides informed by scouting and decision support systems. Emerging management strategies highlight efficient rotations of both insecticide active ingredients and field locations. Resistance-related challenges posed by CPB have driven innovation within the modern insecticide industry, prompting continuous development of novel active ingredients, new modes of action, and increasingly targeted management tools. In addition, the readily available reference genome and associated genomic resources allow in-depth investigations of the molecular mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in this species, as well as offer insight into resistance risk assessment in other species. Despite many advances in our understanding of CPB life history and biology, sustainable management remains difficult. Successful CPB management will require coalescence of foundational science and practical applications to further strengthen relationships between growers, researchers, and extension professionals.