Author(s)

Adam F. Wimer^1*, Christopher R. Philips², Thomas P. Kuhar¹, James C. Adams³, Zsofia Szendrei⁴

¹Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA.
²Department of Entomology, North Central Research & Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, USA.
³Nichino America, Inc., Newark, USA.
⁴Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.

Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most important insect pests of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Because of the high value of potato crops, most growers approach management in a similar manner. Chemical control of arthropod pests in potato is the standard pest management practice, and will likely continue to be in the foreseeable future. This heavy reliance on chemical control has led to high levels of insecticide resistance. Strategies that rotate chemistries are critical in order to maintain insecticide efficacy, highlighting the immediate need to evaluate novel chemistries to continue to manage this pest successfully. Working with different populations of L. decemlineata, field and lab experiments were conducted to evaluate the baseline toxicity, ovicidal activity, and field efficacy of the novel insecticide tolfenpyrad to L. decemlineata. Lab assays revealed that tolfenpyrad was toxic to both larvae and adults, and that L. decemlineata treated egg masses had a 0% hatch rate. Potato field plots treated with tolfenpyrad had significantly fewer larvae, less defoliation, and higher tuber yields. These data will provide accurate field rates for proper labeling, a baseline reference for tracking changes in L. decemlineata susceptibility, as well as provide a novel chemistry to aid in resistance management programs.

Toxicity, Tolfenpyrad, Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, LC50, Resistance Management

Wimer, A. , Philips, C. , Kuhar, T. , Adams, J. and Szendrei, Z. (2015) A New Tool for Resistance Management: Baseline Toxicity, Ovicidal Activity, and Field Efficacy of the Novel Insecticide Tolfenpyrad on Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Advances in Entomology, 3, 139-147. doi: 10.4236/ae.2015.34017.