Extension experts such as Dr. Galen Dively, an entomologist specializing in IPM, are always searching for ways to use these chemicals as efficiently as possible. This chemical controls the Colorado potato beetle, a major pest of potatoes and tomatoes. He has found that by applying Admire only to field perimeters or selected rows of crops rather than entire fields, farmers can decrease the rate at which the beetle develops resistance to the product. This treatment approach also reduces the amount of pesticide per acre, lowers environmental risks, and results in substantial cost savings to farmers. Dively also is conducting research with potatoes and corn varieties that have been genetically altered to increase their resistance to pests.
Pheromone traps attract insects, allowing growers to estimate pest populations.
Our only concern is that the beetles will eventually develop a resistance to the protein. Dively is currently testing mixtures containing different ratios of trans-genic seeds and unaltered seeds. His goal is to identify a ratio that reduces beetle levels enough to prevent economic losses while still maintaining a susceptible pest population. Programs and Publications Rouse, Steiner, Heflebower, Dively, and their colleagues share information through a variety of programs and publications, including workshops, farm visits, radio interviews, newsletters, and fact sheets. They also give presentations at industry meetings and annual Experiment Station field days.