Michigan State Study Uncovers Drivers of Potato Beetle Trends

Researchers find heat, precipitation, and soil moisture shape Colorado potato beetle populations.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:08pm

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An abstract, highly structured painting in earthy tones depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and botanical spirals, representing the complex interplay of environmental forces that influence Colorado potato beetle populations.A conceptual illustration of the intricate environmental factors that shape the rise and fall of Colorado potato beetle populations, a critical pest for potato growers.East Lansing Today

Researchers at Michigan State University have analyzed 16 years of data to uncover new insights into the environmental factors that drive Colorado potato beetle populations, a major pest that causes significant damage to potato crops each year. The team found that while heat is still the best predictor of beetle abundance, other factors like precipitation, air saturation, and soil temperature during the overwintering period also significantly influence population trends.

Why it matters

Predicting when Colorado potato beetles will appear is critical for potato producers to protect yields and reduce losses. This research aims to develop better forecasting models to help growers prepare and choose the most effective pest management strategies, especially as the climate continues to change.

The details

The project was led by Abigail L. Cohen of MSU's Department of Entomology, working with researchers from the University of Wisconsin and MSU. Their goal was to build a more complete picture of what environmental triggers influence Colorado potato beetle outbreaks. The team used two different modeling approaches to (1) predict beetle numbers and (2) understand the underlying drivers behind population fluctuations over time.

  • The study analyzed 16 years of data on Colorado potato beetle populations.
  • The research was funded by a USDA-SCRI grant led by MSU entomologist Zsofia Szendrei.

The players

Abigail L. Cohen

A researcher in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University who led the project.

Benjamin Bradford

A researcher from the University of Wisconsin who collaborated on the study.

Russell Groves

A researcher from the University of Wisconsin who collaborated on the study.

Zsofia Szendrei

An entomologist at Michigan State University who led the USDA-SCRI grant funding the research.

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What they’re saying

“This research grew out of a larger effort to decrease our reliance on neonicotinoid insecticides in potato production and combine new pest management programs with pest prediction and decision‑making tools.”

— Abigail L. Cohen, Researcher, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University

What’s next

The team of researchers is now turning its attention to developing forecasting models to better anticipate when beetles are likely to appear in potato fields at the beginning of a growing season and how severe outbreaks may be. This can help producers prepare earlier and choose management strategies that best match current and future Colorado potato beetle pressure.

The takeaway

This long-term study highlights the complex interplay of environmental factors, from heat and precipitation to soil moisture, that shape Colorado potato beetle populations. As the climate continues to shift, understanding these drivers will be crucial for potato growers to adapt their pest management strategies and protect their crops.