ISSN 1392-3196
Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, vol. 95, No. 3 (2008), p. 235–241
UDK 633.491:632.6/.7:581./.05
Remigijus Šmatas, Roma Semaškienė, Sigitas Lazauskas
Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture
Instituto al. 1, Akademija, Kėdainiai distr., Lithuania
E-mail: remigijus@lzi.lt
Abstract
The study was focused on the trends of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) abundance during the growing season in potato. Analysis was conducted based on the data of Colorado potato beetle abundance observation in the Dotnuva site and meteorological data during the period 1980–2007. A significant increase in the abundance of this pest was recorded, especially during the last decade. The occurrence of pest during 1980–2007 plotted against time presents relatively smooth non-linear trend. A significant relationship between de-trended Colorado potato beetle occurrence and mean air temperature in May (r = –0.52, p<0.01) for the period 1980–2007 was established by using a simple linear model. The level of occurrence of Colorado potato beetle in the preceding year was found also to be a very important factor. Climate change may affect the ability to control pests; therefore new strategies will be required for effective control of Colorado potato beetle.
Key words: Leptinotarsa decemlineata, occurrence, climate changes.
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