The Colorado beetle is one of the most dangerous pests for farms growing potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and other crops of the nightshade family. The larvae and adult beetles damage the leaves and leave bare stems, which significantly affects photosynthesis and the overall development of plants.
Читай нас також у Viber та Telegram.
Without proper protection during the active feeding period, up to 70% of the potential harvest can be lost. Young plants and potatoes during bulb formation are the most vulnerable.
What should you know about this pest and what methods of controlling the Colorado beetle are considered the most effective? Let’s find out right now!
Why is it difficult to eradicate the Colorado beetle?
One of the key reasons for the resilience of this pest is its ability to adapt to environmental changes. It quickly adapts to chemical substances and stops reacting to them if the treatment is done with the same products. Additionally, during the season, a female Colorado beetle can lay over 500-700 eggs. The larvae grow rapidly, consume a huge amount of leaves, and become full-fledged beetles in 3-5 weeks.
Effective methods of controlling the Colorado beetle must take these characteristics into account, creating conditions for long-term pest control.
Stages of Colorado Beetle Control
To reduce damage from the Colorado beetle, it is important to adhere to the principles of a comprehensive approach. Let’s consider the main stages that require special attention.
Responsible and thorough monitoring
Regularly (1-2 times a week) inspect plantings. Pay attention to egg clusters (yellow clusters on the underside of the leaf), larvae, and adult beetles.
Determining the pest threshold
The danger posed by the pest directly depends on its quantity. 1-2 adult individuals or 10-15 larvae per plant are signals for urgent treatment.
Choosing an insecticide
The optimal solution for combating the Colorado beetle is insecticides with a combined mechanism of action. ADAMA’s CORAGEN insecticide will be a reliable helper for farmers. CORAGEN blocks the basic physiological processes in larvae and beetles, reduces their fertility, ensuring long-term control even in case of high infection rates.
Rotation of active components
Do not use the same product more than twice during the season. Choose insecticides with different active ingredients to avoid resistance.
Practical tips for farmers
When choosing methods to control the Colorado beetle, remember: the more precise and flexible your strategy, the better the result will be. However, there are simple rules to follow in any situation:
– Do not delay treatment: larvae are most sensitive in the early stages of development.
– Spray in the evening or early morning.
– Ensure complete leaf coverage with the product.
– Monitor the weather forecast: treatment will be effective if it does not rain for at least 6-8 hours after product application.
Conclusions
A systematic approach, timely monitoring, and modern insecticides against the Colorado beetle allow controlling the pest population and protecting the harvest from losses. Consult with ADAMA experts and create an individual protection strategy for key crops!