Inundative Release of Predatory Stink Bugs for Control of Colorado Potato Beetle

Release of Periflus bioculatus (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs at either 1.6/row-m (0.5/row-ft) or 9.8/row-m (3/row-ft) significantly reduced the number of both small and large larvae of the Colorado potato beetle in small plots. The number of Colorado potato beetle egg masses was significantly reduced by the high release rate as well as by the low rate in combination with a reduced spray schedule of Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis Berliner. Potato plant defoliation was significantly reduced by the high release rate. Three systemic soil insecticides (disulfoton, phorate, and aldicarb) caused significant mortality of P. bioculatus nymphs exposed to potato foliage 11 weeks after soil application. Four foliar insecticides had no effect on P. bioculatus nymphs exposed to recently sprayed foliage.