Instructions for use of "Colorado" against the Colorado potato beetle

Among the wide variety of products available on the market, the Colorado potato beetle control product "Colorado" is gaining increasing popularity among gardeners and homesteaders. Detailed instructions for use state that this product kills not only adult beetles but also their larvae.

Description and characteristics of the Colorado insecticide

A detailed description of the product allows you to familiarize yourself with its features, advantages, and disadvantages, highlighting its key differences from similar products. "Colorado" is used to control the Colorado potato beetle not only in potato beds but also on plantings of other crops, such as:

• tomatoes;
• eggplants;
• peppers.

Chemical composition and main active ingredient

The Colorado potato beetle control product is based on the neonicotinoid imidacloprid. Each liter contains 200 grams of this active ingredient. One treatment guarantees the complete destruction of the pest population for a long period of time.There are three types of effects on insects:

• systemic;
• contact;
• intestinal.

Once the chemical enters the Colorado potato beetle's body, the pest begins convulsing and becomes paralyzed. After a short time, the insect dies. The product is effective for one month.

Release form

Colorado is available in liquid form. Packaging includes ampoules and vials with volumes ranging from 1 to 20 mg.

Mechanism of action on insects

When the Colorado working solution comes into contact with the plant, the active ingredient, imidacloprid, is absorbed and spreads through the foliage and stems. When the Colorado potato beetle feeds on the poisoned plant parts, the product blocks nerve impulse transmission.

First, the insect loses the ability to move, and then dies from nervous overexcitement.

"Colorado" has an oily structure, thanks to which the product adheres well to foliage, does not wash off in rain and does not dry out in the sun. These properties allow it to maintain its effectiveness regardless of weather conditions.

The main advantages of the product

Colorado is increasingly gaining trust among summer residents and professional farmers due to its significant advantages over its competitors.

Efficiency

The effectiveness of the drug has been tested in practice by many gardeners, who note that:

• it is possible to completely destroy not only adult individuals, but also their larvae;
• no additional processing is required;
• the impact on the insect is produced in various ways;
• the entire population of the Colorado potato beetle is destroyed in a short period of time;
• "Colorado" has a restorative effect on plants;
• in hot and dry weather the effect of the drug is enhanced;
• The product is economical to use, meaning that only 1 ml of poison is required to treat 100 square meters of garden space.

Period of protective actions

The protective effect of "Colorado" lasts throughout the entire growing season, eliminating the need for additional spraying.

Instructions for use of "Colorado" for potatoes

To avoid negative consequences when working with the poison, the manufacturer has developed instructions for use, which contain clear recommendations on dosage, safety measures, timing, and methods of work.

How to calculate and prepare the required amount of solution

To ensure Colorado is effective and harmless, you need to know how to dilute it correctly and adhere to the recommended dosage. The required amount of working solution is calculated based on the area of ​​the garden being treated. One ml of the poison is diluted in 5 liters of clean water warmed to room temperature. The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed, poured into a sprayer, and sprayed onto the plants.

Processing times and technology

Plants should be treated with Colorado at least 30 days before the expected harvest. This time is necessary to allow all toxins to evaporate. Spraying is carried out in the morning or evening hours to prevent sunburn from occurring due to water droplets accumulating on the leaves.

In addition, during this time, the liquid does not evaporate, which poses an additional danger to humans and animals.

Apply the working solution of "Colorado" by spraying or misting. Apply the poison thoroughly, ensuring every bush is covered. Pay particular attention to plants with large concentrations of Colorado potato beetle larvae. Under standard conditions, one ampoule of "Colorado" is sufficient per 100 square meters. Additional treatments are only performed if absolutely necessary.

Compatibility with other drugs

Colorado has very poor compatibility with other similar medications. Manufacturers claim that in this case, the drug's effectiveness is virtually negated.

Danger to pets and humans

Colorado is classified as a Class III chemical toxicity agent, meaning it must be handled with personal protective equipment. You cannot spray plants during flowering, as the poison can destroy entire bee colonies. It also poses a great danger to fish.

Safety precautions and first aid

Like any other chemical, Colorado contains toxins. These are the ones that have a negative impact on humans. To protect yourself from these harmful effects, you should follow safety and personal hygiene rules:

• perform work exclusively in protective clothing and gloves;
• the poison is diluted only with clean water warmed to room temperature;
• Do not inhale chemical vapors;
• During work, it is strictly forbidden to smoke, eat food or drink beverages;
• If the working solution comes into contact with skin, rinse immediately with running water;
• To avoid the negative impact of chemicals on the human body, it is recommended to take activated carbon before carrying out work;
• After completing the spraying, you should change clothes and take a shower.

The primary symptoms of poisoning in humans when working with the drug "Colorado" are:

• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• nausea and vomiting;
• chills;
• visual impairment;
• disorientation in space;
• disturbances of gait and movement.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek qualified medical attention immediately. Failure to do so can even result in death. If Colorado poisoning occurs through inhalation, the following measures should be taken:

1. If the victim loses consciousness, try to bring him back to his senses as quickly as possible.
2. Induce a gag reflex and perform gastric lavage using available means.
3. Give the person Regidron and any available poison neutralizer.

After such procedures, the victim is advised to drink plenty of fluids and rest completely.

If Colorado poisoning occurs through the skin, apply zinc ointment to the affected areas. It contains zinc oxide, which reduces inflammation and slows the further development of the poison's toxic effects. Afterward, apply compresses with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to the affected areas.

Analogues of the drug

In terms of its mode of action and effectiveness, Colorado is truly unique. However, various manufacturers offer equally worthy alternatives on the market that can be used as a substitute for the popular drug, if necessary. Colorado potato beetle repellent:

• "Commander";
• "Prestige";
• "Tanrek";
• Borey
• Akiba;
• "Zaman";
• "Zenith";
• "Biotlin";
• Warrant;
• "Image";
• "Rembeck";
• "Frontier".

The listed pesticides contain the same active ingredient as Colorado.

Storage terms and conditions

It is recommended to use the prepared working solution of "Colorado" on the same day, as it begins to lose its effectiveness within a few hours. The expiration date of the hermetically sealed solution is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging and depends on the production date. Generally, the poison retains its potency for four years, provided it is stored exclusively at above-zero temperatures and has not been defrosted.

The temperature in areas where Colorado is stored must not drop below zero degrees Celsius. The pesticide also loses its properties upon exposure to air, so the packaging must not be opened. The storage area for the poison must be inaccessible to children and pets, protected from light and direct sunlight. Failure to follow the manufacturer's recommended storage instructions will significantly reduce the shelf life of the medication. All key recommendations are listed on the packaging or in the accompanying package insert.