Simulation of insecticide influences on the population dynamics of the Colorado beetle

A weather-based simulation model of population development of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado beetle) has been extended to include the effects of insecticides. The dynamics of larvae (1st to 4th instar) and the resulting abundance of the adult summer generation has been simulated under the influence of insecticide applications. To describe the mortality caused by different insecticides on the stages of development of L. decemlineata, detailed experimental data are necessary. In this paper, preliminary experience to adapt the SIMLEP computer model to simulate insecticide action on L. decemlineata populations are published for the first time. These investigations aim at developing a more complete model which will be applicable to agricultural practice, not only to predict the dates of density maxima of the developmental stages of L. decemlineata, but also to estimate the need for and the required extent of insecticide applications, i.e. to guarantee optimum results from pesticide treatments.