ARS | Publication request: Application and evaluation of entomopathogens in potato

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 11, 2006
Publication Date: October 1, 2007
Citation: Wraight, S.P., Sporleder, M., Poprawski, T., Lacey, L.A. 2007. Application and evaluation of entomopathogens in potato. In: Lacey, L.A., Kaya, H.K., editors. Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology. 2nd edition. The Netherlands: Springer, Dordrecht. p. 329-359.

Technical Abstract: More than 290 million metric tons of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are produced throughout the world annually. Potato production ranks fourth among agricultural crops, after wheat, maize, and rice. A large number of insect pests affect potatoes. Worldwide, the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is the most devastating defoliator, and the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, causes greatest damage to the tubers. Many other insects are considered secondary pests; although, some of these may be key pests in regions where conditions are optimal for their survival and reproduction or where they vector highly virulent plant pathogens. Microbial control has been investigated for only a few of these insects, and this paper focuses on the Colorado potato beetle and potato tuber moth. Recent field research on the use of insect pathogens for integrated management of these key pests is reviewed, and a broad range of methods for field application and evaluation of these agents are outlined. Emphasis is placed on techniques for evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana for control of Colorado potato beetle and on B. thuringiensis and the Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PoGV) for control of potato tuber moth.