Abstract
Laboratory assays demonstrated that wood ash is toxic to adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle. Insect mortality reached 100% among larvae and beetles continuously exposed to wood ash for periods of up to 10 days but remained below 22% after 4 repeated topical applications. The application of ash reduced feeding and activity level by adult stages, at least initially. The significant control observed in the laboratory did not extend to field application. Observations suggest that wood ash is inactivated by moisture and that hydrophobic formulations of wood ash would be required for outdoor application as an insecticide. Adult beetles did not avoid crossing thin strips of ash in the laboratory, but preliminary observations suggest that thick layers of ash could act as a physical barrier (fence) limiting colonization by beetles.
Resumen
Ensayos de laboratorio demostraron que la ceniza de madera es toxica para estadíos adultos y larvales del escarabajo de Colorado. La mortandad de insectos alcanzó el 100% entre las larvas y los escarabajos expuestos continuamente a la ceniza de madera por períodos de hasta 10 días, pero permaneció abajo del 22% después de 4 aplicaciones tópicas repetidas. La aplicación de cenizas redujo la alimentación y el nivel de actividad por estadíos adultos, por lo menos inicialmente. El control significativo observado en el laboratorio no se extendió a las aplicaciones de campo. Las observaciones sugieren que la ceniza de madera se inactiva por la humedad y que se requerirán sus formulaciones hidrofóbicas para su aplicación en exteriores como insecticida. Los escarabajos adultos no evadieron el cruce de tiras delgadas de ceniza en el laboratorio, pero las observaciones preliminares sugieren que capas gruesas de ceniza pudieran actuar como barrera física (como una cerca) limitando la colonización de los escarabajos.
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Boiteau, G., Singh, R.P., McCarthy, P.C. et al. Wood Ash Potential for Colorado Potato Beetle Control. Am. J. Pot Res 89, 129–135 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-012-9234-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-012-9234-7