| Public concern for genetically modified foods and pesticides has prompted a rise of consumer interest in organically produced foods. Currently, organic agriculture is the fastest growing sector of the agriculture industry. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), poses a serious risk to potatoes and is difficult to control in both conventional and organic farming systems.; In the following study with the CPB, field trials and bioassays were designed to evaluate alternative pest controls such as companion planting and the spraying of botanical extracts. Bush beans, flax, horseradish, leek, marigold and tansy were tested as companion plants to potatoes; in addition, Garlic Barrier AGRTM, GreenRTM Earth Rotenone Dust, Hot Pepper Wax(TM), peppermint essential oil, neem oil, Neemix 4.5 RTM, NovadorRTM Biological Insecticide, Safer's End All, Tombstone RIP and Vapor GardRTM were examined as organic controls for the CPB. A review of the results suggest that the companion plants did not reduce the abundance of the CPB in the field nor protect plants from significant defoliation; however, bioassays with bush beans showed a significant reduction in feeding by adult beetles. The greatest level of CPB control was obtained from NovadorRTM and Neemix 4.5 RTM. |
