Alternatives to Synthetic Insecticides in the Control of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) and Their Environmental Benefits

Abstract

In this study, we review the wide range of alternative control methods used to this day to control the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), the biggest potato pest globally. We further categorize and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method by comparing them to conventional insecticides. In a second step, we point out the current knowledge about positive and negative impacts of using alternative control methods. By this, we illustrate how alternative control methods, farmers’ activities, and environmental factors (e.g., biodiversity and ecosystem health) are heavily linked in a cycle with self-reinforcing effects. In detail, the higher the acceptance of farmers to use alternative control methods, the healthier the ecosystem including the pest’s enemy biodiversity. The following decrease in pest abundance possibly increases the yield, profit, and acceptance of farmers to use less conventional and more alternative methods. Overall, we try to balance the positive and negative sides of alternative control methods and combine them with current knowledge about environmental effects. In our view, this is a fundamental task for the future, especially in times of high species loss and increasing demand for environmentally friendly agriculture and environmentally friendly products.

Effects of Imunit Insecticide on Biological Characteristics and Life Table Parameters of Spodoptera cilium (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…Limiting the number and concentration of pesticides used is one of the important goals of integrated pest management (IPM), reducing the risks to human health, the environment, and beneficial insects [20]. It is necessary to find an insecticide that can sufficiently reduce the population and damage of grass-lawn armyworm S. cilium.…”

Difficulties in Potato Pest Control: The Case of Pyrethroids on Colorado Potato Beetle

“…On the other hand, there are only a few cultivars, which have some degree of resistance to CPB (e.g., cv. Dakota Diamond) [107,108]. Direct alternative methods to control CPB include behavioral interference methods [109], physical and mechanical control: bug vacuum [110], thermal pest control [111], use of natural enemies [112,113], use of the plant extracts and botanical insecticides [108].…”

“…Dakota Diamond) [107,108]. Direct alternative methods to control CPB include behavioral interference methods [109], physical and mechanical control: bug vacuum [110], thermal pest control [111], use of natural enemies [112,113], use of the plant extracts and botanical insecticides [108]. Natural compounds and/or natural enemies are especially used in organic agriculture, but there is a growing interest in conventional agriculture.…”

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

“…The problem with developing new insecticides and creating new products that are effective and prevent the emergence of resistance is that it is time-consuming and costly to do so [ 2 ]. In order to prevent the emergence of resistance (anti-resistance strategies), insecticides with a different mode of action should definitely be used, non-chemical protection measures should be applied and economic thresholds should be taken into account in control decisions [ 2 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. This study, among others [ 2 , 11 , 12 ] explores the possibility of suppressing CPB through other measures, especially those that do not pose a threat to the environment, humans, and animals.…”