Identification, biology and management of Colorado potato beetle

Abstract

This year, I’ve had a handful of people ask me about managing Colorado potato beetle (CPB) in Iowa. Read more about CPB identification and biology here. These conversations were with producers growing over 5 acres of potatoes and having a difficult time reducing CPB pressure. With the help of Dr. Ian MacRae at the University of Minnesota, I put together an IPM plan for this devastating pest. Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is a major pest of potato that is native to America and Mexico. It's been in Iowa for over 150 years and has a long history of devastating outbreaks. This article provides some basic information on CPB identification life cycle and damage to potato.