Eco-friendly pest management strategies for late-season root crops: Integrating entomopathogenic fungi and RNA interference in Northeastern diversified farms

Late-season root crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes are vital for northeastern U.S. diversified farming systems, but infestations by Colorado potato beetles (CPB) and wireworms significantly threaten yields and quality. Current control options are limited, leading to heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, which increases the risk of resistance.

This project, emerging from a participatory action research (PAR) process involving 30 growers in Vermont and New York, aimes to develop and test eco-friendly pest management strategies. We are investigating the use of entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum) and a RNA interference (RNAi) product. This ongoing research includes lab experiments, field trials, and participatory evaluations to test foliar sprays of fungi and RNAi to reduce CPB pressure.

This study seeks to expand the IPM toolbox for growers, providing sustainable solutions to reduce chemical dependency and enhance crop protection.