Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado beetle)

Publication Date

Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 14:37

Last Updated

July 14, 2023, 2:49 p.m.

Report Number

GBR-45/3

Country

United Kingdom

Pest Id

Leptinotarsa decemlineata - (LPTNDE)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Solanum tuberosum (potato)

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Kent, Southeast England

Summary

An outbreak of Colorado beetle larvae has been confirmed in a single potato field in Kent. Containment and eradication measures are being applied, including the removal and destruction of infested plants and the application of a pesticide spray programme. A 1km survey is being carried out around where the finding was made.

Danger

Larvae and adults of the Colorado beetle feed on the foliage of potato plants and can completely strip plants of their leaves if they are left uncontrolled. In some countries, the resulting yield losses have been as high as 50%. Large economic losses (millions of dollars per year) have been recorded in the USA and China. Eggs, larvae and adults of the Colorado beetle are mainly associated with potato plants. Larvae, pupae and adults are also associated with seed and ware potatoes and associated soil. Due to the rigorous selection and testing process prior to import on seed potatoes, ware potatoes and any associated soil are more of a risk. The Colorado beetle can also “hitch-hike” on unregulated plants and produce such as leafy vegetables and salad material (that may be from nearby to infested potato fields, where beetles may overwinter or use for harbourage). There is a risk that the Colorado beetle could establish and spread in the UK.

Contact for info

[email protected]

Report files

Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado beetle) pest report

Website

Issue keywords

ISPM 8 National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) Outbreak

Commodity keywords