Potential impact of Coleomegilla maculata predation on adaptation of Leptinotarsa decemlineata to Bt-transgenic potatoes

The relationship between Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say egg density and Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer predatory behavior was investigated at different spatial scales (plant-to-plant and plot-to-plot). Both adult C. maculata location and daily egg consumption rates were monitored over time in greenhouse and field tests. Despite aggregation in areas of highest prey density by C. maculata, egg consumption was inversely related to egg mass density at the smallest and the largest spatial scales tested. The experimental data on predation rates in high and low density field treatments were included in a mathematical model to simulate impact of natural enemies on the rate of L. decemlineata adaptation to Bt-toxin-expressing transgenic potato plants when Bt-expressing plants are mixed at the plot-to-plot level with normal potato plants. Results showed that C. maculata predatory behavior could decrease the rate at which L. decemlineata adapted to Bt-toxins if plot-to-plot mixed-plantings were used.