Economic Threshold Levels of the Mexican Bean Beetle on Pinto Beans in Wyoming

Caged bean plants were infested with 5, 10, 20, and 40 larvae of Epilachna varivestis Mulsant per plant and were compared to uninfested checks to determine the economic threshold level. Class damage and yield data indicated increased damage and loss with increases in population. A yield loss-treatment cost analysis determined the threshold level which ranged from 1 to 1.5 larvae/plant.