Evolutionary Considerations in Potato Pest Management

Incorporating our knowledge of fundamental evolutionary processes into pest control practices is essential for maximizing their efficiency. The insect pest complex of potato is characterized by a high degree of plasticity and adaptability. In particular, the Colorado potato beetle quickly expanded its host range to include cultivated potato, and has shown a remarkable ability to evolve resistance to a wide variety of chemicals. Another major pest of potatoes, the green peach aphid, is also very adaptable to insecticides. Both of these insects can also develop resistance to non-chemical methods of their suppression, such as biological control and crop rotation. In addition, understanding ins…