Conservation of arthropod natural enemies in potato production through use of pest-specific insect management programs

Conventional pest management programs for potatoes in Wisconsin are based on broad-spectrum insecticides that can lead to rapid development of insecticide resistance and harmful effects on the environment. There are urgent needs for integrated management programs that are long-term, cost effective, and reduce negative impacts on the environment.; Laboratory and field studies were conducted to investigate compatibilities among insecticides and beneficial arthropods. Insecticide residue bioassays were conducted on two common insect predators, adult Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and adult Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). O. insidiosus experienced higher mortality than C. maculata and two pyrethroids, cyfluthrin and esfenvalerate caused greater mortality to both species than the other insecticides tested. Pest-specific insecticides, which are insecticides with a narrow activity spectrum and typically target a limited number of pest insects, did not cause significantly higher mortality when compared to untreated individuals.; Three field trials in 1997 evaluated insecticide and beneficial arthropod compatibilities. Effects varied among insecticide classes and beneficial arthropod families. However, broad-spectrum pyrethroids and organophosphates typically had the most negative impact on overall beneficial arthropod complexes while pest-specific insecticides evaluated did not adversely affect them.; In 1998 and 1999, large scale field trials were conducted in an agricultural research station environment to integrate the most effective registered and experimental pest-specific insecticides into season-long pest management programs. All the management programs evaluated provided good insect pest control. Beneficial arthropod complexes were negatively impacted by repeated broad-spectrum insecticide applications while the pest-specific insecticides had little affect.; In 1997, 1999, and 2000 research was conducted in commercial potato production fields to evaluate reduced-risk insect management approaches. Evaluation parameters included pest control efficacy, impacts on beneficial arthropods, crop yield and quality, economics of production, and toxicity of control approaches. All the management programs evaluated provided good insect pest control. Beneficial arthropods were negatively impacted by programs based on broad-spectrum insecticides although timing of insecticide application greatly influenced toxicity to beneficial arthropods. Aphid bioregulation by braconids was observed during 1999 while possible potato leafhopper bioregulation may have also occurred.