Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 78-86 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 78 Research Insight Open Access Preventing the Spread of Colorado Potato Beetle: Strategies and Technologies Sibin Wang , Jia Xing, Xian He Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding email: sibin.wang@hitar.org Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0010 Received: 13 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 15 Apr., 2024 Published: 26 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang S.B., Xing J., and He X., 2024, Preventing the spread of Colorado potato beetle: strategies and technologies, Molecular Entomology, 15(2): 78-86 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0010) Abstract The Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) is a serious pest in global agriculture, with its threat to potato crops becoming increasingly severe. This study explores the biology and behavior of CPB, including its life cycle, feeding habits, and the environmental factors influencing its spread. Traditional control methods, such as chemical pesticides, crop rotation, and biological control, have been effective to some extent but face challenges like the development of resistance and environmental impacts. To address these issues, modern strategies and technologies, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), genetic engineering, and precision agriculture, are being introduced and have shown significant success in practice. Through case studies, this study demonstrates the effectiveness and lessons learned from the implementation of these control strategies, discusses the potential threats posed by CPB, identifies research gaps, and explores future technological innovations. This study also provides recommendations for policy and practice, aiming to support the sustainable development of global agriculture. Keywords Colorado potato beetle (CPB); Integrated pest management (IPM); Genetic engineering; Precision agriculture; Pest resistance 1 Introduction The Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB), scientifically known as Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a notorious pest that primarily targets potato crops but also affects other solanaceous plants such as eggplants and tomatoes. Native to North America, CPB has become a global agricultural threat due to its rapid spread and adaptability. The beetle's larvae and adults feed on the leaves of host plants, causing significant defoliation and yield loss (Balaško et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). Over the years, CPB has developed resistance to numerous insecticides, making its management increasingly challenging. The CPB is considered one of the most destructive pests in potato cultivation worldwide. Its ability to develop resistance to a wide range of insecticides has exacerbated the problem, leading to increased pesticide use, environmental pollution, and higher production costs for farmers (Molnár and Rakosy-Tican, 2021; Pélissié et al., 2021). The beetle's adaptability and rapid spread have made it a significant concern in regions where it was previously absent, such as parts of Europe and Asia (Mi et al., 2015; Gao et al, 2022). Effective management of CPB is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current strategies and technologies used to prevent the spread of CPB. By examining various pest management methods, including chemical, biological, and genetic approaches, this study identifies effective and sustainable solutions for controlling CPB populations, and highlights the challenges and future directions in CPB management, with a focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that minimize environmental impact and promote long-term agricultural sustainability. 2 Biology and Behavior of Colorado Potato Beetle 2.1 Life cycle and developmental stages The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) undergoes a complete metamorphosis with four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult (Figure 1). The developmental stages are regulated by various microRNAs, which play crucial roles in growth, reproduction, and insecticide resistance (Wiebe et al., 2020). The egg stage is
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