Controlling potato beetles with Bt
Problem:
Potato beetles can develop rapidly, especially in warm summers on late-maturing crops, causing extensive damage to the potato plants.
Solution:
In the case of a large infestation, direct control measures e.g. the use of biological plant protection products like Novodor are justified. Novodor contains a bacterium, Bacillus thuringuensis tenebrionis (Bt), whose toxins (protein crystals) destroy the intestinal tract of potato beetle
larvae.
Outcome:
The Bacillus thuringiensis has a selective effect and is not harmful to bees. Disadvantages: It only is effective against young larvae stages, it is very UV sensitive and its effect is reduced strongly in case of temperatures above 30 °C.
Practical recommendation:
Check the state of infestation. When the potato plants start to emerge, walk the field every 7 days in a straight line and check plants at
regular intervals. If clusters of eggs are found on more than every third plant, apply Novodor four days after discovering the first clusters.
Apply the agent Dissolve 5 l of Novodor in 500 l of water per hectare of potatoes. Novodor can be applied together with copper products.
Optimal conditions:
The potato beetles are still in an early larval stage (L1 to L2). Temperature between 15 °C and 25 °C. Avoid direct sunlight: spray late in the evening or when the sky is overcast. No rain is due within 8 hours after spraying. Link: http://orgprints.org/31592/13/PA_031_Potato_beetle_control_final_QR.pdf
OK-Net Arable – Organic Knowledge Network Arable
Ongoing | 2015-2018
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium