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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #253171
Title: Microbial Control of Potato Tuberworm in Potato Plants and Tuber Storage with Emphasis on Research Conducted in the Pacific Northwest of the United States

Author
item Lacey, Lawrence
item ARTHURS, STEVEN - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Proceedings Washington State Potato Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/22/2010
Publication Date: 9/7/2010
Citation: Lacey, L.A., Arthurs, S.P. 2010. Microbial Control of Potato Tuberworm in Potato Plants and Tuber Storage with Emphasis on Research Conducted in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Proceedings Washington-Oregon Potato Conference. Jan 26-28, 2010. Kennewick, WA. pp. 73-84.

Interpretive Summary: Potato tuberworm (PTW) is widely recognized as a potato pest of global importance. Larvae feed within potato leaves and stems, but more importantly is the feeding damage in potato tubers. Because there is zero tolerance for insect parts in processed tubers, infestations, even relatively small ones, can result in substantial economic losses. For example, damage caused by PTW in the Pacific Northwest was especially high in 2004-2006, often requiring frequent application of broad spectrum insecticides. Reliance on chemical insecticides for insect control has resulted in a variety of safety and environmental problems. Researchers at the USDA-ARS Laboratory in Wapato, WA, University colleagues and growers are cooperatively researching control of PTW using insect-specific pathogens. In this presentation they have reviewed the literature on the use and potential of microbial control of PTW with special reference to the Pacific Northwest. This information will provide researchers and potato producers with a comprehensive resource for planning control strategies that employ insect-specific pathogens for control of PTW. Such strategies will result in better safety for applicators and the food supply and will minimize environmental contamination.

Technical Abstract: Several natural enemies are reported from potato tuberworm (PTW) including insects (parasitoids and predators) and pathogens. Naturally occurring insect specific pathogens and inundatively applied biopesticides can significantly contribute to control of the potato tuberworm (PTW). The most researched and practically used for control of PTW are a granulovirus and the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt). The PTW granulovirus (PoGV) has the potential to play a significant role in the integrated management of PTW in stored tubers and in field crops. Similarly, Bt has been successfully used against PTW infestations in both field crops and stored tubers. PoGV and Bt are safe to application personnel and the food supply and do not affect beneficial insects and other nontarget organisms. Other natural insecticides include a biofumigant fungus (Muscodor albus), botanicals, sex pheromones and physical measures for PTW control in stored tubers. The implementation of biopesticides will ultimately depend on an increased awareness of their attributes by growers and the public, which will be the main drivers for their use and commercialization.