The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is the most destructive insect pest of potato, Solanum tuberosum (L.) in eastern North America. The insect has adapted to every insecticide used to manage it. With the arsenal of effective insecticides decreasing, it is important to consider alternative forms of control. Avidin is a protein found in chicken egg whites that has demonstrated insecticidal properties against a number of Lepidopteran and Coleopteran pests. Using neonates, we assessed the effectiveness of avidin against the Colorado potato beetle in a no-choice detached leaf bioassay at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 uM over 14 days. Area of consumption, larval growth and mortality measurements were taken every two days during the 14 period. At concentrations of 3 uM or higher, avidin appears to stunt growth from the onset of the assay. Avidin, at concentrations of 3 uM and higher, caused mortality that ranged from 80%-90% by day 12. Genes for avidin have been cloned and could potentially be engineered into potato to provide plant protection.
Species 1: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle)
Keywords: host plant resistance
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