The effect of Bt-transgenic potatoes on the movement of the Colorado potato beetle [Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae]

A two-year field study conducted at the Potato Research Centre in Frederict on, New Brunswick, demonstrated a quantifiable residency time for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) susceptible adult Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) in a Bt-transgenic potato field. Fifty percent of Bt-suscepti ble beetles released in a transgenic Russet Burbank (NewLeaf((TM))) potato plot were recaptured 4 to 7 days after release compared to 7 to 11 days for beetles released in a non-transgenic control plot. Beetles survived for lo ng periods of time (up to 31 days) on transgenic potatoes in spite of the c rop's toxicity. A significant number of beetles dispersed from transgenic p lots. Twenty-five and 30% of the beetles released in the Bt-transgenic plot were recaptured in border rows or trench traps outside the plot indicating a high level of dispersal activity. The long residency time and the high l evel of dispersal activity could increase the chances of development of a B t-resistant beetle population. These findings are important to the developm ent of a deployment strategy that will reduce the risk of build-up of Bt re sistance in the beetle population.