Spatial colonization patterns of the Colorado potato beetle in potato: relating land use patterns and population dynamics

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), has been a significant pest to cultivated potato in Wisconsin since its arrival in 1866. Past research has focused on understanding the pest’s overwintering lifecycle at the local field scale. However, fewer investigations have been conducted to resolve our understanding CPB overwintering beyond the field edge. Identification of adjoining habitats that result in greater overwintering survivorship of CPB will promote a more accurate deployment of existing IPM techniques and strategies. In spring 2008, we evaluated early season CPB colonization patterns at 16 field locations over a four week period. Each field was systematically sampled for all stadia among 16 equally spaced, georeferenced points along the field periphery. Habitat identity and total area surrounding sampling points was quantified using existing landuse information (ArcGIS) with incremental buffering between 100 and 1000 meters. The relationship between pest phenology and landscape information was then explored through a multivariate cluster analysis technique. We utilized this method to aggregate sample points based upon surrounding habitat attributes which may relate to high or low colonization magnitude. Resulting information produced a set of classifications describing relationships between landscape variables and CPB colonization patterns. Associations between CPB colonization and specific habitat features will begin to provide the fundamental components for prescriptive modeling. Utilizing stable habitat features to predict colonization patterns will further assist land managers and pest management practitioners in the accurate deployment of innovative cultural control, strategic scouting, and perimeter insecticide applications.