The potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) is a common pest that affects both field-grown and stored potatoes. This pest can cause significant damage to potato crops, leading to reduced yield and compromised market value. In this blog, we will dive into understanding the symptoms, damage, and effective control measures to protect your potato crop from this destructive pest.
Symptoms of P![]()
otato Tuber Moth Infestation
Recognizing the signs of a potato tuber moth infestation early can help mitigate damage. Here are the key symptoms to look out for:
1. Field Symptoms:
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Leaf Damage: The larvae bore into the stems and leaves of the potato plant, reducing photosynthesis and stunting growth.
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Tuber Damage: The larvae burrow into the potato tubers, making holes that not only weaken the tubers but also increase the chances of fungal and bacterial infections.
2. Storage Symptoms:
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Boreholes in Tubers: When the larvae attack stored potatoes, they create boreholes that reduce the tubers' marketability.
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Secondary Infections: These boreholes provide entry points for harmful bacteria and fungi, leading to rapid decay and spoilage of stored potatoes.
Control of Potato Tuber Moth
Controlling the potato tuber moth requires a combination of chemical, cultural, and biological control methods. Here's how to keep this pest at bay:
1. Potato Tuber Moth Chemical control:
Katyayani Chakraveer Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% sc
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Dose: 50-60 ml per acre
Katyayani Ema 5 Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG
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Dose - 100Gm/Acre
2. Potato Tuber Moth Cultural Control:
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Crop Rotation: Rotate crops each season to reduce the buildup of pest populations in the soil.
3. Potato Tuber Moth Biological Control:
Katyayani Samhar BT Bio Larvicide Bio Pesticides
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Dose - 1-2 litre /acre
Katyayani Triple Attack Verticillium Lecanii + Beauveria Bassiana + Metarhizium Anisopliae
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Dose - 2 litre /acre
Conclusion: Protect Your Potato Crop from Potato Tuber Moth
Potato tuber moths can be a significant threat to your potato crop, both in the field and during storage. Recognizing the early symptoms of damage and using a combination of chemical, cultural, and biological control methods is essential to minimize the impact of this pest. By following these control measures and staying vigilant, you can protect your crop from significant damage and ensure a healthy, high-quality harvest.
FAQs: Potato Tuber Moth Control
Q. What is the damage caused by potato tuber moth?
A. Potato tuber moth larvae damage leaves, stems, and tubers, leading to reduced yield and increased risk of infections.
Q. How to control potato tuber moth?
A. Use Katyayani Chakraveer (Chlorantraniliprole) for chemical control, along with crop rotation and field sanitation.
Q. What is the scientific name of potato tuber moth?
A. The scientific name of the potato tuber moth is Phthorimaea operculella.
Q. What are the symptoms of potato tuber moth infestation?
A. Look for boreholes in tubers, leaf mining, and stunted plant growth due to larval feeding.
Q. How can I protect stored potatoes from potato tuber moth?
A. Store potatoes in dry, cool, well-ventilated areas to prevent moth infestations and secondary infections.
