Phthorimaea operculella

Phthorimaea operculella, also known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a moth of the family Gelechiidae. It is found worldwide, but is particularly problematic in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.

Description

The adult Phthorimaea operculella is a small moth with a wingspan of 10-15mm. The forewings are grayish-brown with black spots, while the hindwings are grayish-white. The larvae are creamy-white with a brown head and can reach a length of 12mm.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Phthorimaea operculella consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female moth lays her eggs on the leaves or tubers of the host plant. The larvae hatch and feed on the plant, causing significant damage. After feeding, the larvae pupate, often within the plant tissue. The adult moths emerge from the pupae and the cycle begins again.

Economic Importance

Phthorimaea operculella is a significant pest of potato crops. The larvae feed on the leaves and tubers of the potato plant, causing significant yield loss. In addition to potatoes, Phthorimaea operculella can also infest other solanaceous crops such as tomato and eggplant.

Control

Control of Phthorimaea operculella involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Cultural control methods include crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. Biological control involves the use of natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps. Chemical control involves the use of insecticides, but this is often a last resort due to the potential for resistance development and environmental impact.

See Also

• List of potato diseases
• Pest (organism)
• Integrated pest management