All methods of Colorado potato beetle control
Colorado potato beetle – the main enemy of the potato, which appeared together with the amazing fruit. Its appearance in Russia dates from the end of the 17th century and is associated with the name of Emperor Peter I. The fight against it is constant, but not a single gardener has been able to get rid of the insidious pest.
Colorado beetle: Functions
The striped beetle quickly adapts to all the means that are used. It is impossible not to pay attention to them, they are so insatiable that they destroy the entire crop, very quickly reproduce and grow. A female can carry up to 1,000 eggs in a summer. Coloradas adapt a little to all conditions, burrowing into the ground and surviving even the harshest winter. If the year is hungry and the night waves don’t land, they go into hibernation, which can last up to three years. Therefore, every lucky person who has a plot or a house in the countryside is constantly worried about the question: How to get rid of the Colorado potato beetle?
The main methods of combating the Colorado potato beetle:
- chemical;
- agro-technical;
- folk;
- biological.
Classification of preparations against the Colorado potato beetle
Colorado potato beetle remedies can be classified according to several parameters:
- By specialization:
- narrow, a particular species by target: adults, eggs or larvae;
- broad or universal. All phases of the life cycle are equally effective. Close.
- Catch for tuber treatment;
- Spray applied to the leaves and stems of the plant.
- By mode of action:
- Contact. The advantage of such preparations is that they do not accumulate in the stems or fruits, but remain on the surface and respond directly to the bugs. This means that you do not affect the crop in any way and do not contaminate the potatoes with unnecessary chemicals. However, it is quickly washed away by water when watering or raining. For this reason, you should treat several times per season. Colorado potato beetle very quickly adapts to such means, so each season you should choose a more modern preparation.
- Biological. Biological preparations are the safest and are aimed at making the bugs lose their appetite and starve to death after using them. They are harmless to humans and can be used for early varieties of potatoes. The main disadvantage is to repeat the treatment several times. Usually three times with a break in a week is enough;
- Systemic. Preparations are used most effectively in the fight against the Colorado potato beetle. Some of them, such as Prestige and Masterpiece are spread before planting, so that the whole season not to worry about the harvest. However, because of its high toxicity, this method cannot be used on early potato varieties. These preparations penetrate the stems and seedlings, which means they are poisonous to bugs.
- Through the active ingredient:
- Avermicides are safe for humans, but can be dangerous to bees or other insects, are obtained naturally or industrially from the fungus chrestomycetum.
- Pyrethrins – derived from the aster spears, which are not poisonous to humans, but dangerous to bees. At temperatures above 25 ° C are ineffective;
- Phosphorus – when used regularly, it quickly loses its effectiveness, as beetles get used to it, preparations of this class should be changed at least once a season;
- Neonicotinoids – used in systemic preparations.
Destroying potato beetles with safe means
Using chemicals to control the potato beetle is undoubtedly effective, but not everyone dares to use them.
Aggressive chemicals can harm your health and the environment. In addition, organic products are now enjoying a high reputation and are chosen by people who lead healthy lifestyles. And when growing high-quality products, the use of artificial additives in any form is highly undesirable. Despite all the safety certificates, potatoes, especially pickled tubers, cannot be considered a 100% organic product.
How can you protect your crop and get rid of potato beetles without chemicals? The most cost-effective and easy way is by hand harvesting. But despite its apparent simplicity, this method is also the most time-consuming. It is impossible to collect all pests at once in one day, not to mention larvae and eggs. Especially since the potato beetle moves very quickly from place to place, quickly puts on the clothes and hair of animals and grows very fast. This method is suitable for those who do not have a large potato plot. Leaves should be treated very carefully because the young larvae and eggs are on the underside of the leaf. After collecting the bugs, they are burned.
If a large area of land is set aside for potatoes, this method will not be very effective. The bugs will fly from place to place, laying new eggs, a lot of work will just be useless.
A popular way to protect potatoes are plants, the smell of which is extremely unpleasant to the potato beetle. The most commonly used is dill. It is unpretentious, does not require special care, but pests do not like such a neighborhood. Peel the bulb. Coaradots are buried in wells or furrows. The smell of rotting shells, uncomfortable for pests, but absolutely safe for the environment and does not affect the quality of potatoes in any way.
Another way to end the potato beetle without chemicals is mulching. To do this, you need to prepare mulching hay from young weeds without seeds, straw and leaves. It is mulched in the fall before it is overwintered. Fermentation takes place in the winter. The height of the mulch should be about 30 cm, after planting it is necessary to maintain the required height by re-laying. This method significantly reduces the number of Colorado spiders on the plot and helps to preserve the crop. After harvesting, the hay should not be harvested, but plowed together with the soil, it becomes a good organic fertilizer for the soil.
The second way is to put a layer of freshly mowed grass or sawdust 5-7 cm thick between the rows after the potatoes sprout. Especially good with this task is the needles of coniferous trees.
biological methods
Extermination by natural methods is also possible, but the struggle may be ineffective, because the potato beetle in the Russian climate does not have many natural enemies. At home, in Colorado, the population is held back by predatory beetles and mites, but unlike the more hardy competitor, these species do not take root in Russia because of the climatic conditions, so the Colorado potato beetles feel more than comfortable.
Larvae and eggs can be eaten by hoverflies, lacewings, and ladybugs, but they do not touch adults.
Plush and Gyneas can be used for adult stalking. To do this, they are given ground Colorado pests in supplementary feed, and this should be started at an earlier age. In addition, the birds provide additional protection – their droppings can repel unwanted insects. But this method has one drawback, birds can damage seedlings and significantly reduce the amount of the final crop.
Agricultural methods
Proper tillage can significantly reduce pest populations. Colorado potato beetle control by mechanical and agronomic methods is an effective, yet time-consuming process that is not done in one day. It requires careful preparation. Each step must be prepared in advance.
- To ensure that the parasites do not survive the winter, after harvesting the soil should be recultivated at least half a meter, then the frost will be deeper, which will affect the number of pests.
- After the fall digging, the soil should be liberally sprinkled with ash.
- When planting in the holes or furrows, a large amount of organic fertilizer should be applied.
- Early planting of potatoes will get rid of most of the eggs.
- Do not neglect mulching. This is one of the surest ways to protect your garden.
- Do not plant nightshade plants next to each other. Tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes are best planted as far apart as possible.
- Ideally, you should change where you plant infestations each year.
- Fall. Before planting time, but when daytime temperatures are above 10 ° C, you can plant shredded tubers in the area where you plan to plant potatoes. Bugs, hungry after winter hibernation, leave their hiding places in search of food and easily gather with unwanted potatoes.
Mr. Summer recommends: folk recipes and methods of controlling the Colorado potato beetle
A few recipes that also help reduce Colorado potato beetle populations without the use of harsh chemicals:
- vinegar and baking soda. To prepare the solution, you will need 100 ml of vinegar, 100 g of baking soda and 10 liters of water. The mixture should be mixed just before spraying. You can treat about 200 square meters with this amount.
- Pour 10 liters of hot, but not boiling water, leave for 1 day, strain and treat beds.
- A glass of vegetable oil diluted in 10 liters of water can even cope with uninvited guests.
- Pollination with bitumen or cement dust protects the tops and makes them unsuitable for feeding the Colorado potato beetle.
- Infusions of wormwood, celandine, elecampane, and white acacia mullein are destructive to insects. To prepare the plants should be poured boiling water at a ratio of 1: 1, infuse, then dilute 1 liter of infusion in 20 liters of water at room temperature and treat the seedlings.
- Tobacco dust with its smell drives away insects from the area. For preparation, grind tobacco leaves as finely as possible. Suitable for industrial and independent tobacco. The main thing is dry leaves for easy shredding and spraying on the plot.
In each mixture, to enhance the effect, you can add a small piece of laundry soap. For easy dissolution, it can be pre-rubbed on a fine grater.
Chemicals
The easiest way to get rid of the Colorado potato beetle for good is the chemical method. This industry has come a long way forward, many products have been developed that contribute to the protection of crops, while doing so without damage to the environment and human health, while strictly following the instructions for use.
Each remedy should be used in strict accordance with the instructions. Otherwise, either the drug will be ineffective or the potato itself will absorb excess poison, after which it will become unfit for food. In the control of Colorado potato beetle you should follow the precautionary measures. To treat potatoes, choose a dry, windless day.
It is desirable to choose a period when no rain is expected, so that the poison is not repelled from the stems immediately after spraying. The best time is early morning or evening, when there is no extreme heat, to avoid evaporation of the product. It is also not recommended to water after about 24 hours. Spray potatoes with special clothing and gloves to protect the skin. Eyes should be protected with goggles and face masks should be worn. You should never eat, smoke or talk during the treatment so that the product does not get into your mouth. If poison comes into contact with the skin, it should be washed off immediately with plenty of running water. If the poison comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes, the first thing to do is to rinse them with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
The most common preparations used to control Colorado potato beetle are: Actara, Ivengo, Alatar, Bitoxybacillin, Bakundo, Dandrobacillin, Komandor. Monsoon, Tabu, Card, Killer.
Modern methods of eradication.
There are already potato varieties that are not attractive to insects. Varieties “Kamensky” and “Nikulinsky” are virtually immune to infestation, they have hard stems and tops unsuitable for larval feeding, but in terms of taste they lose sharply to less resistant varieties.
Breeders and scientists are trying to breed genetically modified foods that do not become the target of parasites, but there is still too little information about the effects of the introduced genes on the human body. The attitude towards GMOs in society is mostly negative precisely because of the lack of verified and reliable information about the consequences of eating the next revolutionary development of scientists.
For these reasons, the war to harvest nightshade plants continues every season. To get rid of potato pests forever, using only one method is not enough. A comprehensive approach is needed for a long time, not even for a year. Perhaps a new, universal way to get rid of insects will appear, but for now gardeners can only dream about it and fight the Colorado potato beetle with any available means.
How to get rid of the Colorado potato beetle forever
Biological preparations, poisons and folk remedies
Cultivated plants have many enemies. Every season gardeners have to look for new preparations and methods to protect their future harvest from them. Some pests are easy to deal with, while others have settled in earnest and for a long time. The latter include the Colorado potato beetle. We have collected the most effective means against the Colorado potato beetle, which will help gradually get rid of the pest from the vegetable garden.
The best ways to combat the Colorado potato beetle
Species characteristics of the insect
Success in the fight is possible only if the enemy is well studied. It first appeared in North America, in the state of Colorado, where it got its name. It is one of the species of leaf-eating beetles. The body is rounded, no more than 12 mm long, with stripes on the wings. The black color varies with dark yellow or light orange.
The life cycle of the leaf beetle consists of several periods. Their duration depends on climatic conditions. Under unfavorable conditions, they are prolonged; under good conditions, they are replaced more quickly.
The stages of development of the insect:
- Egg. The female places them on the back side of the leaves of edible plants. The clutch usually contains 25 to 80 eggs. They are small, bright orange or yellow, tightly pressed together. An individual may lay 500 to 1,000 eggs in a season, increasing the beetle population by about 150-fold.
- Larva. Five days after the clutch emerges, the thick, fast-growing worms hatch. They have a black head and a bright red body with rows of dark dots. The larvae are no less voracious than the adults: they feed on the soft tissues of the leaves of the shrub where they live. In a short time, they eat them completely and leave only strips. For example, larvae can eat an entire bed of potatoes in a week. They molt regularly and grow quickly.
- Pupa. Adult larvae penetrate deep into the ground and go through the pupation stage here. This takes an average of 20 days. Eventually, the adult emerges to the surface. If cold weather arrives, it stays in the ground until spring.
- Insect. Adult slipperworms feed on nightshade. Plants have means of self-defense: For example, potatoes produce a special tissue that repels the leaf beetle. However, the pest can still eat the leaves if there is no other food available. And if there are no more suitable plants in the garden, the insect hides underground and can hibernate for up to three years.
The leaf beetles’ favorite food is potatoes. But that doesn’t mean that other crops are safe. The beetles like to eat all nightshade plants. They eat the young shoots and the plant dies. Despite the fact that only larval forms feed on leaves, pests at all stages of their development are considered dangerous. Therefore, they are actively destroyed by all available means.
Sometimes it is impossible to determine where the potato beetle appeared on the plot. It should be understood that the beetle is capable of flying dozens of kilometers, so it can appear in the field or vegetable garden at any time. The ability to go dormant for several years allows the beetle to confidently survive hunger periods. An activated field produces healthy offspring. In addition, the infested areas are extensive. Simultaneous treatment is not possible, so it simply migrates from one area to another.
There are many ways to finally get rid of the pest. We have chosen the most effective ones.
The best remedies against the potato beetle
The best results are given by chemical preparations. There are two types of such compounds, they differ in the principle of action.
The most effective means are listed in a short video
Bioactive substances
The pest in nature has enemies that actively destroy it. Scientists have taken advantage of this and developed preparations containing pathogenic fungi and bacterial cultures that are deadly to the insect. They penetrate the body of the leaf, develop in it and destroy their host. A big plus organic products – safety for animals, people, plants and soil. Therefore, if you have a choice of what to treat potatoes from the Colorado potato beetle, it is better to use them.
Biological compositions have one significant disadvantage – they have no effect on the eggs. Only larvae and adults are killed, so after a while you will have to conduct a second treatment. Timing and type of spraying are indicated on the package. We provide a list of the most effective biological preparations.
List of biological preparations:
- “Agravert. The active ingredient is a plant toxin that causes paralysis of the nervous system of insect parasites. It is effective against almost all known pests. It is not addictive, suitable for repeated use.
- “Fytoverm. Contains avermectins produced by fungus Streptomyces avermitilis. They are neurotoxic poisons with insecticidal action. The substance has a short decay time, which is reduced by exposure to sun and moisture. Additives appear slowly, after five to six seasons.
- “Bitoxybacillin. The actual substances are spores and exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis. It enters the body through the intestine, kills in 2-3 days. The action is prolonged and lasts for two weeks. Kills adults and larvae. Compatible with other biological preparations.
- “Boverin. Contains active spores of Beauveria bassiana. It is a fungus that parasitizes on insects. The spores get on the chitinous cover, develop into mycelium and sprout deep into the body. This causes the body to die, but the fungus does not stop growing. It develops spores, and they spread further across the site. The period of action is extended, the mass death of pests lasts more than a month.
- “Nemabakt”. A potent biological agent containing a colony of predatory microscopic worms. Stored in a package in damp foam, they are in a state of anabiosis. At temperatures above +8 ° C, they wake up, penetrate into the soil and eat the larvae there.
- “Natur Guard. Organic preparation of a wide range of action: helps not only against leafhoppers, but also fights aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and other parasites. It is an extract of sophora grains.
- “Entocid. Designed to protect crops from soil pests, including the Colorado potato beetle – and when it is not only in the active phase, but also in hibernation. The composition is based on highly concentrated spores and mycelium of a-Metarhziu m-Anisopliens mushroom.
Most organic products are very easy to apply. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, a solution is prepared and sprayed on potatoes and other plants. Treatment of potatoes against the Colorado potato beetle is carried out before planting.
Patimicones quickly destroy the population of parasites, but at the same time they are extremely poisonous and dangerous for humans and animals. Therefore, they are used only when other means do not help, observing all safety requirements.
The most effective is the poison of the Colorado potato beetle:
- “Actara”. The strongest insecticide based on thiamethoxam – a poison of paralytic action. It is available as a suspension or pellets. It causes addiction; therefore it is alternated with other formulations. The effectiveness increases in hot weather, at a temperature of 25 ° C and above.
- “Beetles. Insecticide of the last generation. The composition includes three strong poisons, their complex plot kills all and even living secretly, individuals. It is also active in bad weather and humidity. The treatment lasts for the whole season.
- “Bark beetle. A new generation insecticide against leafhoppers, bark beetles, imago and other pests to protect potatoes and tomatoes. The solution is harmless to humans, resistant to precipitation and temperature fluctuations, so it stays reliably on plants. Treatment with this chemical is recommended every 3-4 weeks.
- “Prestige.” Two Colorado potato beetle active ingredients are used in this preparation: Imidacloprid and Penzicuron. The treatment lasts for 1.5-2 months. During this time, the chemical protects the plant not only from leaf beetles, but also from other pests: for example, thrips and wireworms. A fungicidal fellow frees the edge.
- “Batrader.” The drug is sold as a concentrate suspension (it is diluted with water) to combat a whole complex of pests, including the Colorado potato beetle. Suitable for preventive use and at the stage of detection of insects. Protection lasts at least 2 weeks, then it is better to repeat the treatment.
- “Table Trio”. This chemical combines the functions of insecticide, fungicide and growth regulator. It is used before planting. Protects potatoes from leafminer, wireworm and severe weather conditions. Sold in the form of plastic capsules, in a package of three parts. One paralyzes pests, the other prevents the appearance of rot, the third – increases the immunity of vegetables.
- “Typhoon”. The remedy kills both larvae and adults of insects. It works almost instantly: In people walking with the treated plant, paralysis occurs within an hour. Effective for 3 weeks, treatment must be repeated. A bottle of 15 ml is diluted in 20 liters of water.
- “Komandor +”. The drug effectively protects against pests for a month and a half and increases the yield up to 29%. The energy contained in its composition contributes to a more active growth of tubers. Effective against Colorado potato beetle and wireworm, moths and aphids.
- “Coado”. Contains imidacloprid, has a longer, up to 20 days, period of action. It is not addictive and not phytotoxic. However, you should strictly follow the instructions for the use of kurdo from the Colorado potato beetle. Microdoses accumulate in the human body, which can cause negative consequences.
- “Stozhar”. The drug is available as a dry powder, which must then be diluted in water. Thanks to a special mechanism of action on pests, it does not cause dependence in them and therefore remains effective after several applications.
Important: such chemicals are dangerous, so it is necessary to poison pests with them with the obligatory observance of a number of rules.
Rules for pesticide treatment
- Before working, be sure to read the instructions and follow them exactly.
- Do not treat plantings to pregnant women, children and people with allergies or asthma.
- A protective suit, respiratory protection, and gloves are required. After the procedure, you should shower and wash your clothes.
- A separate sprayer is purchased for toxic liquids and is not used anywhere else.
- Process the plants in the morning or evening in dry weather without wind. Harvest after it can be harvested not earlier than a month.
Folk remedy for the Colorado potato beetle
Not everyone wants to use chemicals and biologically active preparations. If the population is still small, you can try to do without them. The most popular and safe method is manual collection. The plantation is bypassed, carefully inspecting each bush. They remove larvae, adults, cut off leaves with a clutch. The collected specimens are put in a metal container filled with concentrated saline solution. Afterwards they are destroyed.
Despite its simplicity, this method is not always used. Too much effort and time is spent on inspection. Especially if the planting area is large. You need to go around it at least several times a week, or better still, twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. This is only possible for small dachas and gardens. There are also other methods. Let’s list the folk remedies from the Colorado potato beetle.
spraying .
The best result gives ash, especially birch ash. It is used at the stage of treatment before suckling. Each bulb is dipped in powdered ash. During the development of plants, they are also released. Take sifted ash at the rate of 10 kg per hundredweight. Spray the bushes after dew or rain, so that the fine powder sticks to the leaves. Before the culture blooms, it is released twice a month, after flowering – once a month.
You can also sprinkle paths and passages with ash or fresh sawdust, this will increase the effect. You can treat all nightshades. Sprinkling with corn flour gives a good result. When it gets wet, it significantly increases in volume. This is the basis of its action. The flour enters the stomach of the insect and swells, which leads to its death. Gypsum and cement have a similar effect. They are also sprinkled on wet plants. According to gardeners, after this, all the larvae die.
