Potato growers often deal with the Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella), one of the most common and damaging pests. This pest can cause significant damage to both potato plants and tubers, particularly during the peak activity period. Effective management of this pest is essential to protect your crop and reduce losses in both yield and marketability.
This newsletter focuses on the most effective control measures using Permekil and Metho Insecticide to help you protect your potatoes from this destructive moth.
Understanding the Potato Tuber Moth
The Potato Tuber Moth’s lifecycle begins when the female moth lays eggs on the potato plants’ leaves, stems, or tubers. After about 3–7 days, the eggs hatch into larvae that burrow into the tubers, causing damage by tunnelling through the flesh. This weakening of the potatoes makes them more susceptible to rot.
As the larvae mature, they pupate inside the tuber or in nearby soil, transitioning into adult moths that emerge after 2-3 weeks. This cycle repeats, causing rapid damage to your crop if left uncontrolled.
Hely, R. W., Pasfield, G. M., & Gellatley, A. R. (1982). Insect pests of fruits and vegetables in NSW. NSW Department of Agriculture.
Damage to Potato Crops
- Above-ground damage: Larvae cause mines in the leaves and weaken stems, which can result in premature plant die-off
- Tuber damage: The tunnels created by larvae make potatoes unsaleable and open the door for pathogens to enter. In storage, infestations can spread quickly, leading to severe losses.
- Post-harvest damage: If tubers are not bagged promptly after harvest, neglected infestations can turn potatoes into a decaying mass, significantly reducing their quality.
Control Measures: Kendon’s Effective Solutions
Permekil: Targeted Control of Adult Moths
Active Ingredient: 500g/l Permethrin
Group: 3A
Mode of Action: Modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels, causing hyperexcitation and preventing moths from functioning properly.
Permekil is a fast-acting, contact insecticide designed to provide strong control of adult moths preventing them from laying eggs on your crops and equipped with residual effect on surface to control further damage.
Metho Insecticide: Systemic and Lasting Protection
Active Ingredient: 225g/l Methomyl
Group: 1A
Mode of Action: Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to hyperexcitation and pest elimination.
Metho Insecticide is a systemic insecticide that works by both contact and ingestion. Absorbed by the plant, it provides longer-lasting protection by controlling all stages of the pest. It is particularly useful when applied after crop senescence to create a chemical barrier over the tubers, preventing new infestations. The 1-day withholding period ensures minimal disruption to harvesting schedules.
Additional Control Recommendations
- Overhead Irrigation: Reduces soil cracking, which prevents moths and larvae from accessing tubers.
- Soil Management: Regular cultivation helps deter larvae penetration.
- Selection of Deeper Setting Varieties: Choose varieties that set tubers deeper in the soil, making it more difficult for pests to reach them.
- Use of Predators: Beneficial insects like Orgilus Lepidus, Apanteles subandinus, and Nabis kinbergii (damsel bugs) can naturally control pest populations.
Stay Ahead of the Threat
Using Permekil and Metho Insecticide, along with additional cultural practices, will help you effectively manage Potato Tuber Moth infestations and ensure high-quality yields.
Act now to protect your potatoes with Kendon Plant Care solutions.
Contact us today for more information Potato Tuber Moth Pest Control solutions.