According to Russian scientists Savchenko R.G., Sorokan A.V., Mardarshin I.S. in his article “The Possibility of Using Potato Varieties Resistant to the Colorado Beetle under the Conditions of Multiple Resistance to Chemical Insecticides” on potatoes of the Bashkir variety, Colorado beetle larvae survive in the amount of 3-5% of the total number of laid eggs.
The luminaries of science explain that for 2-3 potatoes of this variety a hypersensitivity reaction develops in a place where there is a laying of beetle eggs and there is an increased activity of proteolytic enzyme inhibitors in the leaf tissue.
According to scientists, the combined action of these two protective factors leads to increased embryonic and postembryonic mortality of Colorado potato beetle larvae.
A tangible decrease in the number of phytophage larvae in this variety of potatoes at the initial stages of their development reduces the harmfulness of beetles and leads to a sharp reduction in the volume of chemicals used.
Under favorable weather conditions, plant protection measures can be completely abandoned, which will stabilize potato agrocenosis, the researchers explain.
For information, Bashkirsky is a variety of potato of domestic selection, which belongs to the early ripening. It is considered unpretentious. It tolerates drought well. It was specially designed for cultivation in the Urals.
