1989 Annual Report for LNE89-015
Eggplant: A model system for integrating biological control of Colorado potato beetle and Verticillim wilt
Summary
The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) and verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) are profound pests of tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant in the northeast. The beetle is highly insecticide resistant. Colorado potato beetle was resistant to second and third generation pyrethroids before they were out of the research laboratory. Population growth is very explosive, often completely defoliating a crop before any economic returns are realized.
Many growers rely on the very expensive and environmentally hazardous soil sterilizing fumigants to control verticillium wilt. Rotation is used by potato and vegetable farmers with limited success, since the infective stage can remain viable in the soil for at least five years. Biological Control Intensive Pest Management (BCIPM) is a promising alternative for both problems: a parasitic wasp lays its eggs in the beetles' eggs, and verticillium wilt can be controlled by a soil antagonist.
Objectives
(1) Refine a BCIPM delivery system of a parasitic wasp (Edovum puttleri) for protecting eggplant yield against Colorado potato beetle populations.
(2) Demonstrate the benefits of a soil-borne antagonist (Talaromyces flavus) against verticillium wilt in eggplant as a model for wider use in potato.
(3) Determine the economic feasibility of using BCIPM for Colorado potato beetle and verticillium wilt in eggplant as a model system for further implementation in potato and tomato.