i5K: Colorado Potato Beetle

Colorado Potato Beetle Source: Zsofia Szendrei Links BCM-HGSC data

Colorado Potato Beetle
(Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

Contact: Zsofia Szendrei

Researchers involved:
Size (or size of nearest relative):

Keywords (and why important): Insecticide resistance, agricultural pest, RNAi, Solanaceae, rapid evolution, invasive species.

The Colorado potato beetle originated from the Mexican highlands, and is now considered the economically most significant defoliator of potato in northern latitudes worldwide. The range of this insect is continuing to expand, and it is likely to eventually colonize all potato-producing areas with temperate climate. Within Mexico, the beetle feeds on native solanaceous plants, S. angustifolium, S. elaeagnifolium, and buffalo bur, S. rostratum. However, it has adapted to potatoes and other solanaceous crops after its range expansion.
 
Due to the lack of any natural enemies that have been able to evolve seasonal adaptations, the cornerstone of Colorado potato beetle management has been the use of insecticides. However, the beetle has shown a remarkable ability to develop resistance to most insecticides used for its control. The mechanism(s) of insecticide resistance is yet unknown and genomic sequencing will lead to major advances in managing this pest in commercial plant production.