The Potato Tuberworm: A Literature Review of Its Biology, Ecology, and Control

Abstract

The potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a worldwide pest of solanaceous crops especially devastating to potatoes. Adults mate and lay eggs in foliage or tubers throughout the growing season, preferring foliage over tubers. When foliage has naturally or artificially senesced and/or tubers are accessible, they deposit eggs in or near the eye buds. The larvae mine leaves, stems, and petioles causing irregular galleries, and excavate tunnels through tubers. Foliar damage to the potato crop usually does not result in significant yield losses but infested tubers may have reduced marketability and losses in storage may be up to 100% especially in non-refrigerated systems. The greatest risk of tuber damage occurs immediately before harvest while the crop is left in the field prior to digging; additional damage may occur in storage, if conditions are not maintained properly. Potatoes that are left in the field for any length of time can become infested. The pest is difficult to control and growers rely extensively on the use of insecticides and a variety of cultural practices. After harvest, the insect may continue to develop on tubers or volunteer plants remaining in the field as well as on other solanaceous plants. Incorporation of host plant resistance together with insecticides and appropriate biological and cultural practices may provide the best management options. This review addresses P. operculella bionomics, including origins, distribution, host range, life cycle and life stage behavior; seasonal dynamics; abiotic factors; cultural, biological, and chemical control methods; and host plant resistance.Resumen La palomilla de la papa Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) es una plaga importante de cultivos de solanáceas en todo el mundo pero especialmente devastadora para la papa. Los adultos se aparean y ponen huevecillos en follaje o en tubérculo a lo largo del ciclo de cultivo, con preferencia de follaje sobre los tubérculos. Cuando el follaje senesce natural o artificialmente y/o los tubérculos están accesibles, las polillas depositan sus huevos en o cerca de los ojos de las yemas. Las larvas hacen minas en las hojas, los tallos y en peciolos causando galerías irregulares, y excavan túneles en los tubérculos. El daño al follaje del cultivo usualmente no resulta en pérdidas significativas de rendimiento, pero los tubérculos infestados pueden tener una reducción en el mercado y las pérdidas en el almacén pueden llegar hasta el 100% especialmente en sistemas no refrigerados. El mayor riesgo de daño en los tubérculos se presenta inmediatamente antes de la cosecha mientras el cultivo está en el campo antes de ser cosechado y transportado. Se puede presentar daño adicional en el almacén si las condiciones no se mantienen apropiadamente. Las papas que se quedan en el campo por tiempo prolongado pueden ser infestados. La plaga es difícil de controlar y los productores confían extensivamente en el uso de insecticidas y en una variedad de prácticas culturales. Después de la cosecha, el insecto pue...

Pest Management Strategies for Potato Insect Pests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States

“…Parasitoids, predators, pathogens, antagonists, or competitor populations that suppress pest populations are desirable in fields (Driesche & Bellows, 1996). Under current pest management programs in potatoes, especially with an intensive agricultural production system centered on frequent calendar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides, the impact of natural enemies is relatively unknown (Koss, 2003;Rondon, 2010). In contrast, a lot of information regarding the biology and the potential of natural enemies (a.k.a., biological control agents) can be found in the literature (Rondon, 2010).…”

“…Under current pest management programs in potatoes, especially with an intensive agricultural production system centered on frequent calendar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides, the impact of natural enemies is relatively unknown (Koss, 2003;Rondon, 2010). In contrast, a lot of information regarding the biology and the potential of natural enemies (a.k.a., biological control agents) can be found in the literature (Rondon, 2010). The advantage of using biological control agents is that they have no pre-harvest intervals, and are safer for application personnel, consumers and non-target organisms.…”

Insecticidal Activity of the Granulosis Virus in Combination with Neem Products and Talc Powder Against the Potato Tuberworm Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

“…This pest, originating in South America, has spread to almost all potato-producing areas throughout the world (von Arx et al 1990, Rondon 2010. The main economic damage occurs towards the end of the growing season, when moths lay eggs on exposed tubers.…”

“…Secondary damage by potato tuberworm re-infestation as well as pathogen inoculation during larvae entry also affect potatoes during storage and are considered a problem (Trivedi & Rajagopal 1992. Foliar damage to potato crops usually does not result in significant yield loss, but infested tubers and storage losses may reduce marketability as much as 100%, especially in nonrefrigerated systems (Rondon 2010). There are several different methods for controlling potato tuberworm pests (Hanafi 1999, Rondon 2010.…”

“…Foliar damage to potato crops usually does not result in significant yield loss, but infested tubers and storage losses may reduce marketability as much as 100%, especially in nonrefrigerated systems (Rondon 2010). There are several different methods for controlling potato tuberworm pests (Hanafi 1999, Rondon 2010.…”