Suitability of tomato leaves for larval development of Potato Tuber Moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

The potato tuber moth (PTM) is an important pest of the potato plant and its tuber. With the expansion of its geographic range, the PTM could be potential threat to the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a congeneric species of the potato. To assess that risk, we tested larval feeding and development of PTM on leaves of five cultivated tomato varieties namely Moneymaker, Campari, Ailsa Craig, LA3475, E6203 and one wild tomato variety S. pimpinellifolium. PTM larvae accepted all tested plant leaves and developed into adults. Larval development was fastest on the Ailsa Craig variety. Pupae developed fastest on the Moneymaker variety and slowest on LA3475. Host acceptance and survival were highest on Ailsa Craig and lowest on LA3475. The significantly highest male proportion occurred on LA3475 variety. The study showed that PTM could be a potential threat to tomato cultivation which is rapidly increasing in temperate regions owing to climate change.

Caterpillar Responses to Gustatory Stimuli in Potato Tuber Moths: Electrophysiological and Behavioral Insights

“…Since then, it has spread widely across potato-growing regions, particularly affecting the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan region [4]. This oligophagous insect primarily feeds on solanaceous crops such as potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, with potatoes and tobacco being its most vulnerable hosts [5]. The larvae of the species cause damage by mining leaf tissues and tunneling into tubers, leading to surface deformities and rot.…”

Potato plant variety affects the performance and oviposition preference of Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

“…16 It is also difficult to achieve control because of the high reproductive capacity, burrowing, adaptability to changing climates and multivoltinism of P. operculella. 17,18 Numerous studies have examined alternatives to chemical control of P. operculella. 9,10,19,20 However, an effective and eco-friendly measure for controlling P. operculella has not been developed yet.…”

“…However, rapid development of resistance to insecticides has brought difficulties for insecticide‐based control 16 . It is also difficult to achieve control because of the high reproductive capacity, burrowing, adaptability to changing climates and multivoltinism of P. operculella 17,18 . Numerous studies have examined alternatives to chemical control of P. operculella 9,10,19,20 .…”

Different Performance of Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) among Four Potato Tuber Varieties under Laboratory Condition

“…Finding effective methods to control P. operculella has become more and more important for the healthy development of the potato industry in the world. Moreover, increasing damage is due to the infestation characteristics of P. operculella of burrowing, high reproductive capacity, multivoltinism, and adaptability to changing climates [ 11 , 12 ] because of frequently transported seed tubers. The early control and management measures are mainly focused on the natural tuber resistance [ 6 ].…”