Researcher warns potato growers against overusing pesticides

An independent researcher in a presentation at a meeting in Oregon, Nov. 30 challenged potato growers to stop relying on neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides. Almost all potato acres in the Columbia Basin are treated with neonicotinoids, said Alan Schreiber of Agricultural Development Group of Eltopia, Wash. And most also are treated with pyrethroids. Evidence shows that overuse will uproot their efficacy, he said. "If resistance happens, you can't go back,"he said.