Water extractsfrom selected Geraniaceae plants, to which paraffin oil was added as adjuvant, were tested. It was observed that the plant extracts researched limited Colorado potato beetle feeding and development and adding adjuvant increased the effects. The highest antifeedant activity towards Colorado potato beetlesand their larvae wasobs erved in extractsobtained from Pelargonium × hortorum Bailey and Geranium pusillum L. The extract from Pelargonium × hortorum Bailey added to food showed a negative effect on the development of female reproductive organs and embryo development and showed the highest effectiveness in field conditions.

The paper reports results of investigations concerning the influence of saponin extract of quillaja on the food choice and development of Colorado potato beetle. Choice tests with the use of potato leaf discs treated and untreated with tested saponins’ extract were made. The influence of the presence of saponins on the food choice and intensity of insect feeding were observed. It was stated that saponins significantly restrain feeding and disturb development of this pest.

As compared to 1977 potato acreage in Poland has decreased by about 1.4 million hectares and amounted to 958 thousand hectares in 2002. Potatoes are protected mainly against Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, Phytophthora infestans and weeds. Number of chemical treatments against Colorado potato beetle fluctuated between 1.1. to 1. 7 per year, in average. In 1977-1987 mainly organophosphorous insecticides were applied, whereas in last years pyrethroids and nereistoxin were used. Chemical treatments against late blight fluctuated between 1.2 to 1.6 per year, in average. Observations performed in 1977-2002 showed that the application of contact fungicides considerably decreased. In weed control in potatoes only one treatment, in average, was performed using herbicides, mainly pre-emergence ones. Herbicides containing linuron and metribuzin were most frequently applied.

Chemical plant protection is still an indispensable method in effective potato protection against Colorado potato beetle – CPB – (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) in Poland. This species is able to develop strong resistance against all active substances used in chemical and biological insecticides. The phenomenon of resistance is variable in time and in space. Therefore the objective of the study was to determine the present susceptibility level of Polish populations of CPB to main groups of insecticides recommended in Poland for CPB control.