Colorado potato beetle and potato processing

The fight against this pest has recently become more difficult, the beetle gets used to the introduction of the same drugs, practically not reacting in any way. In order to achieve good, effective results, it is necessary to process the potatoes with different methods every season. Experts tirelessly come up with new means to obtain a tangible effect, while harm to humans and the environment should be minimized, and the pest should be destroyed. This is a very difficult task, provided that the beetle can move from site to site.

At the moment, there is a predominance of the beetle's stability, on the face of its vitality, ineradicability. Nevertheless, some effective methods have been identified by specialists who, above all, preserve the potato harvest, and not only. Most nightshades are attacked by a pest beetle. Accordingly, the products are also suitable for protecting these plants.

The choice of such funds is very extensive, only the peculiarity of the use of each drug is taken into account, it depends on the conditions of your residence, the nuances are observed in any conditions. If there are livestock or fish farms close to the site, as well as an apiary, for example, insecticides must be applied very carefully, the damage to the farm may become irreparable.

The most effective set of measures in the fight against a beetle can be:
1) sufficiently early processing of the site completely in the spring, before planting potatoes (and other crops);
2) it is necessary to process each tuber directly, both during planting and before;
3) the first shoots have appeared, urgently carry out the treatment by pollination with insecticidal preparations, preferably in calm weather;
4) mandatory preventive work on the site after harvesting, before the start of the autumn days. Below we will consider each method separately, in more detail, taking into account all the features, conditions and capabilities.

Processing potatoes before planting from the Colorado potato beetle

The processing of potatoes from the Colorado potato beetle begins with the processing of the site. Early spring is the time to start work and apply measures to eliminate the possibility of the appearance of a beetle in principle. Before boarding. You can use chemicals of chemical origin, but folk remedies are not inferior in effectiveness. A complex of such "folk methods" by 70-80 percent can save the future harvest.
The measures taken further, with the growth of plants, the maturation of tubers, significantly reduce the reproduction of the Colorado potato beetle. To reduce to complete destruction is of course the best option, but for this, as always, you need to seriously approach, observe all the stages of the fight, not missing the smallest detail.
General soil preparation.

Soil preparation

At the moment of direct disembarkation, when the site is selected, try to limit the area of ​​distribution of the beetle to the maximum, it is this method that will prevent, in the spring, when the beetle starts laying eggs and larvae form, crawling to new, neighboring areas in order to settle in a new place. The larvae do not have the ability to fly, they are only able to crawl from bush to bush, in contrast to young, stronger individuals, which are able to fly a sufficient distance, up to several tens of meters.But the number of larvae still exceeds the number of beetles (since the struggle also involves the manual collection of larvae), therefore, groove traps can be built along the edges of the entire site, the depth of which is about 30 centimeters. It is advisable to place a polyethylene shelter over the entire area of ​​the grooves. Watch that there is no moisture. The flooring is smooth; accordingly, all the larvae trapped in the trap die.

Folk ways to fight when landing

One of the proven, successfully used by gardeners is the following tool - in the spring, throughout the potato plot, be sure to plant in the aisles, plants that have a smell, which acts as a red stop signal on the Colorado potato beetle. They categorically cannot bear it. These are garlic, calendula, beans, legumes, dill.

We all know sawdust. And when fresh, fragrant, they will serve as an excellent deterrent. You need to scatter them between the rows, abundantly. Prevent huge hordes from spawning. A small drawback can be attributed to the fact that the flooring will have to be changed periodically, since the sawdust dries out and the deterrent element evaporates.

One of the recognized, most effective means of removing the pest almost to the root is wood ash, preferably of birch origin. Apply in bulk between the rows, you can pollinate the emerging shoots. There is a struggle not only with the larvae, but also the adults are dying out.

Important! Such measures at the right time will help a young and immature plant to remain unharmed, the greens will remain intact and when the adult bushes and tubers are formed, there will be enough strength for the whole process.

Seed treatment before planting

Before planting potatoes, as well as any nightshade, you can treat it with a chemical or biological agent, as they say, pickle a harmful and very dangerous beetle. You can simply soak the sludge for a short period using a spray bottle.

The processed planting material ceases to be a delicacy for the beetle, but has turned into a poison. With any attempt to taste, the beetle dies, therefore, it will not lay eggs on the poisoned plant either.
But even pesticides have a limited duration of action. Processing before planting is enough only until the time of flowering. The plus is that at the time of protection, the plant has already grown stronger and the attacks of the villain beetle are not so terrible for the plant. If you nevertheless notice an accumulation of larvae, you urgently need to collect and destroy.

Gardeners with extensive experience recommend treatment with the following dressing preparations:
1) "Tyrant";
2) "Taboo";
3) "Cruiser";
4) "Prestige".

These preparations are very easy to use: having chosen a healthy planting material for planting in spring, spray it with the prepared solution, strictly follow the instructions. Then, without slowing down the process, plant it in the place reserved for the potatoes. Treatment will insure the future plant from harm not only by the Colorado potato beetle, but also by many other pests that attack both the underground part and the surface areas: flowers, tops, leaves.
Science does not stand still. Experiments are constantly being carried out to create a perfect preparation that protects plants and brings the least harm to humans, with the effect of a sprayer-dressing agent. Many of them have already been tested under the strict supervision of experienced gardeners, the tests were successful and the effectiveness of the use of drugs has been proven. Everything is easy and accessible, which is not unimportant in seasonal work. For example, "Matador", "Connect", "Celest Top", "Protessus".

Bio-based drugs

Bio-based disinfectants consist of microorganisms that have a detrimental effect on the beetle and its larvae. Mandatory soaking of tubers in solution for several hours, following the recommendations in the attached annotation.After that, it is immediately necessary to plant the treated tubers.

The biological preparations listed below were liked by the gardeners, and they share their experience and recommend:
1) "Aktofit";
2) "Bitoxibacillin";
3) "Aktarofit";
4) "There is no Colorado potato beetle";
5) Fitoverm.

In general, biological products have a wide range of applications. You can not only soak the planting material, but also spray the formed green bushes. During this treatment, harm is inflicted directly on the beetle and its larvae. Water, soil, other useful inhabitants of the soil, the atmosphere - in no case will be affected. The resulting crop will be absolutely harmless and environmentally friendly.

Processing potatoes during planting

In practice, gardeners use methods of processing, combating the pest-beetle, not only the tubers before planting, but also during planting, the material itself is processed and each hole where the tuber is placed. For the treatment, insecticidal preparations on a chemical basis and household products of natural origin are used. And, as a result, the disappearance of the beetle can be observed already before the flowering period. Efforts are not wasted. The harvest can be preserved and beautiful potatoes can be obtained. The main thing is not to miss the moment for all treatments.

The drugs can be subdivided. Some process and soak tubers in a solution, spray a young green plant. Others are sufficient to apply during the planting process. Sprinkle the tubers laid in the holes, everything, you can safely bury it in the soil. The effect will be as after soaking. It's just that someone has time for preliminary procedures, and for someone it is running out. These drugs will just come to the aid of the second category of gardeners. The tubers, already in the soil, independently feed on the preparations you sprayed. In doing so, they receive the same protection. A beetle that has shown interest in removing a sample from a buried yummy automatically receives the required dose of the poison, which leads to its obligatory death. The larvae will also receive their portion. The plant itself will receive insurance against the actions of other, underground pests, the drug is capable of destroying all harmful populations inside the soil.

It is worth noting that many people opt for such preparations for their ease of use, they save time (for soaking, additional spraying). All information on the methods of the drug is indicated in the instructions. Therefore, when choosing a protector for your long-awaited crop, simply read the recommendations that come with the package.

Processing of holes during planting

Folk remedies that scare off all harmful living creatures of the soil with their specific smell are also used. They can be used to process each hole, right when planting, or you can use it further, simply by applying to the top layer of soil around the bush.

A striking example is the infusion of onion peels, or simply put in the holes, along with the tuber. After exposure to moisture (watering or rain), the husks naturally scatter, a completely unpleasant odor is formed. It is he who serves as a deterrent. We also continue to use the infusion at the first shoots, we spray the plant. Believe me, the result is easy on the face, the beetle quickly retreats from this area.

Plain wood ash also has a similar effect. Similar to the first case, we fall asleep in the holes, you can additionally pollinate each tuber separately.

Processing potatoes after sprouting from the Colorado potato beetle

Seedlings suffer from pest activity much more than tubers. After the appearance of young greenery, the larvae activate their activity before flowering. Here the chemicals and folk remedies discussed above will come to the rescue. Without reacting in time, you can say goodbye to your harvest, the larvae in high-speed mode devour the immature plant. The death of culture is inevitable. Therefore, a strict, constant inspection of the bushes for the presence of a hint of a beetle is necessary.

A situation arises in which it is necessary to use drugs in an increased and large volume. For example, the area of ​​a potato field is large, an impressive number of pest beetles. Poisonous chemistry treatments cannot be avoided.
In such a situation, it is necessary to use insecticide preparations or biological preparations, antagonists of pest beetles. The fight is very difficult, as the number is terrifying.

Treatment of potatoes with insecticide preparations or biological preparations?

The difference in choice consists of methods of exposure. The first group very effectively fights the beetle, exterminates it and the larvae, the eggs are also destroyed, the number of treatments is several times less. You will have to work hard with representatives of the second group. spraying will have to be carried out twice as much, reducing the period of time between processes.

The technology for carrying out work with both is generally similar:
1) there is a need to purchase means of protection against poisoning, first of all, yourself: rubber gloves, a mask, boots, clothes strictly closed to the maximum, a headdress is necessary;
2) do not deviate a step from the instructions for use of the drug, the container for preparing the solution is not in a food container, the spray is preferably a knapsack, volumetric, the solution will have to be poured in fewer times;
3) each shoot must be very densely treated with a solution, at least three quarters of the area, if the recommendations are not followed, the expected result will not be;
4) smoking, eating, drinking liquids is strictly prohibited during processing. After the end of the spraying, wash your face immediately, rinse your hands and face, your mouth without swallowing the liquid, you can take a shower several times and wash all the clothes in which you were during processing;
5) it is advisable not to visit the treated area for a certain period of time. The destruction of the beetle occurs depending on the properties of the drug presented, from several hours to a certain number of days. You can find out this information from the instructions attached to the drug.

For the non-consequential impact of processing tops, you can use (advise gardeners):
- "Commander";
- "Confidor";
-«Regent«;
- "Aktara";
- "Citkor".

The listed are the most used drugs, the choice depends on the safety in relation to the plant and man. Among biological products, there are many positive reviews for the following:
- "Boverin";
- "Aktofit";
- Fitoverm;
- "Bitoxibacillin".

Folk remedies

Processing potatoes using folk methods has many positive reviews.
Natural methods harmless to humans, the environment and the animal world, the recipes of which are environmentally friendly and extremely safe for the living environment, but dangerous for the pest. Many generations have collected these recipes. The energy spent on researching these methods when fighting the beetle pays off, as a reward for a bountiful healthy harvest.

Below we list the main methods from the "people's piggy bank":
1) systematic manual collection of beetles and larvae from plants, which is clothed when using one of the means. Fill a bucket or basin with water, add a large amount of salt, tilt over this solution, alternately, each bush without missing a single one, shake off all pests with a broom from the foliage over the container of all pests, having passed the entire area, the collected pests are subject to mandatory destruction Although this method is likely to work , to small areas. It will take a lot of effort to process large areas;
2) decoctions of some herbs are great for processing potato tops by spraying. For example, horsetail, garden calendula, celandine, wormwood, mustard, dandelion, garden tobacco, or onion husks, daily infusion.Unfortunately, in bright sunny weather, the properties of folk infusions are lost, in connection with this fact, spraying is recommended to be carried out in the evening, or in cloudy weather;
3) cut grass, wood sawdust, straw, will become a good handy tool for mulching a plot with potatoes, the pest population will decrease;
4), as always, wood ash rushes to the rescue, but in this method in a dry form. Lightly powder the tops with crushed ash. If you add wormwood and insist for at least a day, you can spray, which can eradicate the beetle and larvae by 90%.

Finally

Summing up our article, let's highlight an important point! You have to love your plot, take care of it, and the return will be amazing. In no case do not start the fight against any pest, especially such a malevolent and rapidly multiplying one. The increased fertility and excellent appetite of the Colorado potato beetle, and many pests, can lead to large-scale losses of the long-awaited harvest. Even 40% of the eaten tops will deprive you of one third of the planned results of the labor invested. If the seedlings are damaged, the crop will already be lost by half. It is this fact that stimulates all the minds of specialists to invent and improve all methods of dealing with a small but insidious bug. The choice in the means is yours. But it is absolutely necessary to fight for the harvest. Good harvests.