Progress in biological control of the Colorado beetle (<i>Leptinotarsa decemlineata</i>) in Eastern Europe

Abstract

Intensive studies conducted in Eastern Europe to introduce and acclimatize two predatory bugs, Perillus bioculatus and Podisus maculiventris , and one fly, Doryphorophaga doryphorae , have not given positive results so far. Seasonal colonization with predators has provided good protection of potato and aubergine crops but the method requires release of high numbers of insects. Two microbial insecticides are produced, registered and used in the USSR for controlling the Colorado beetle, namely Boverin ( Beauveria bassiana ) and Bitoksybacillin ( Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis 202).