The U.S. potato industry commonly uses neonicotinoid insecticides to target insect pests, but this group of pesticides is under scrutiny by food retailers, consumers and regulators. The potato industry needs sustainable, robust alternatives that address these concerns. Neonicotinoids have been used in the management of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) in many regions of the U.S. Here, we present 2 years of field data from Michigan, comparing 5 season-long insecticide programs: (1) an untreated control, (2) an at-plant neonicotinoid ‘grower standard’, (3) a non-neonicotinoid insecticide program with an at-plant cyantraniliprole treatment, (4) a foliar-only non-neonicotinoid program (no at-planting insecticide application), and (5) a beneficial-friendly non-neonicotinoid program. We conducted a replicated field trial and recorded Colorado potato beetle and beneficial insect numbers. We also recorded defoliation rates throughout the growing season, as well as yield at the end of the season. We compared the efficacy of the tested programs for reducing Colorado potato beetle populations below economic thresholds. Non-neonicotinoid programs provided an equivalent level of insect control to the neonicotinoid grower standard program. In summary, options for transitioning away from a reliance on neonicotinoids are available for effective Colorado potato beetle management.
.png)
