Insect scorcher for the control of the Colorado potato beetle

摘要

A single-row insect scorcher for control of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) was developed and tested under controlled laboratory and field conditions. In contrast with the existing propane flamer, this device cools the combustion gases by dilution with air to about 500oC. By controlling the temperature of the gases and the contact time, it is possible to irreversibly damage the adult potato beetles without damaging the plants. During single field treatments with the prototypemounted at the front of the tractor, projected mortalities in excess of 60% were obtained with negligible plant damage at travel speeds between 2 and 3 km/h. Slightly lower projected mortality rates were obtained in late summer when the prototype was located at the rear of the tractor. It is estimated that the use of this new thermal treatment device will require less than 27 kg of propane per hectare.