Beating the Beetle: Updates for Colorado Potato Beetle Management

The Colorado potato beetle remains one of the most challenging insect pests for potato growers. Its rapid reproduction, multiple generations per season, and history of overcoming every major insecticide group make it a persistent challenge. Neonicotinoid seed treatments once provided reliable early-season protection, but reduced performance has been reported in many areas. Foliar insecticides, such as diamides, spinosyns, and abamectin, remain important tools, and maintaining their efficacy is a top priority.

This presentation will share the latest results from an insecticide trial evaluating alternatives to neonicotinoids, providing an overview of potential tools for season-long management. We will also present field mortality responses of beetle populations to commonly used products, illustrating how control varies regionally and emphasizing the need to tailor management to local conditions. Finally, we will discuss strategies to preserve efficacy, including rotating insecticides with different modes of action, careful spray timing, and integrating cultural practices such as crop rotation and scouting. The goal is to provide practical updates that help growers stay ahead of resistance, protect yields, and sustain the usefulness of available products."

The objective of this presentation is to update growers on the current status of Colorado potato beetle management, highlight resistance issues, and share trial results on potential alternatives. The goal is to help growers make informed decisions that sustain product effectiveness and protect crop yields.