Preliminary Study on Life Effects and Diversity of the Colorado Potato Beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] in Nevsehir Province

ABSTRACT: The Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.) is an insect that causes significant damage to potato plants, Potato plant is the most preferred host for these insects. However, it can feed and survive on various plant species of the Solanacaea family. With the aim of controlling the L. decemlineata population, insecticides are widely used but very rapid resistance is developed by L. decemlineata against these insecticides. Even though many natural enemies have been identified, they are usually not able to control L. decemlineata populations below the necessary levels. In this context, with this preliminary study; it is intended to determine the interaction between L. decemlineata with potatoes and the work to be done with this pest by determining the biological and morphological development process as, L. decemlineata is the main potato pest in and around Nev？ehir Province which is leading in potato production. The life cycle of this potato beetle starts with the adult at the overwintering stage and can be as short as 30 days. The adults of L. decemlineata measure about 10-12 mm long and are yellowish-orange with five black stripes per elytron. The small, reddish larvae of the L. decemlineata are 10 mm long when mature. Mature larvae burrow 4–8 cm into the soil and after about two days begin to pupate. L. decemlineata pupae are oval and orangish in color. The mean development time is about 5-8 days. The eggs are bright orange and football-shaped, about 1.5–2.0 mm long and 0.7 mm wide. Females use a yellowish adhesive to deposit eggs on the lower surface of the foliage in clusters of 9 to 49. The larva of L. decemlineata becomes visible in the last 12 hours before hatching. Under field conditions, females can lay 200–500 eggs