Colorado potato beetle eats serious damage in potato crop

The rapidly advancing Colorado potato beetle appears to be a growing problem for potato growers. Reports are coming in from various regions of plots with considerable damage from feeding and very large populations. The beetle is easy to control, but finding the right moment is crucial.

Until a few years ago, the Colorado potato beetle was only found sporadically. The Colorado potato beetle can now be found regularly on Dutch potato fields, and how. The increase in temperature in recent years, which makes it a lot more pleasant for the beetles, is said to be the main cause.

Formerly and larger populations
Normally the Colorado potato beetles are only found in large populations in potato fields from mid-July and sometimes in August. This year, in June, many reports were received of damage caused by feeding and the control of the beetle. A lot earlier than previous years. In addition, the beetles can be found all over the country this year.

Sander Uland, Cropadvisor Arable Farming at Bayer, explains why: "The Colorado potato beetle has had a lot of fun with the heat in recent years. The beetle originates from America, from a warmer area and has been doing very well here for the past 3 years. Even in a year like this, which isn't quite as warm as the last few years, you can see how much the Colorado potato beetle is present and what damage it can do."

Control 
A (biological) control of the Colorado potato beetle in potato plots is quite possible, but the timing of control is an important point of attention. The beetle lays eggs, which only develop into a larva at a later stage and eventually develop into a beetle. It is therefore recommended to choose a product that tackles all life stages of the Colorado potato beetle or wait until the eggs have hatched.

Biologics are also available. Kees Vrolijk, potato grower from Fijnaart (North Brabant) and participant in the Boerenbusiness Dutch Crop tour, has now combated the Colorado potato beetles. "The Colorado potato beetles are back in time this year. Every now and then a plant was full of them. I had some in all the plots, but it didn't cause any real damage."

Jesse Torringa

Jesse is an editor at Boerenbusiness and focuses in particular on the arable farming sector, including grain and onions. He also closely follows the fertilizer market. In addition, Jesse works on an arable farm in Groningen with seed potatoes as the main branch.

j.torringa@boerenbusiness. Nl

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