Which of the following prevention methods is the most effective for controlling potato beetles?

Crop rotation is an effective method for controlling potato beetles because it disrupts the life cycle and habitat of these pests. Potato beetles are known to thrive on solanaceous plants, particularly potatoes. By rotating crops and planting species that are not host plants for the beetle, growers can significantly reduce the number of beetles that survive from one season to the next. This method limits their breeding opportunities and forces them to find new food sources, which can lead to reduced populations of the pests.

In contrast, while proper irrigation, row covers, and mulching can help manage various pests and improve plant health, they do not specifically target the life cycle of potato beetles in the same way that crop rotation does. Proper irrigation mainly aids in overall plant health, row covers can protect seedlings but may not provide long-term control, and mulching can deter some pests but usually does not eliminate the beetle population. Therefore, crop rotation stands out as the most effective prevention method for controlling potato beetles.