Effect of thiacloprid against the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The effect of the chloronicotinyl insecticide (thiacloprid 480 SC) was evaluated to determine its potential in controlling the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella. Application of thiacloprid at various concentrations (0.1-0.4 ml/l) on different age groups of eggs (1-4.5 day-old) had no effect on egg hatchability. However, slight embryocidal effect was noted in all egg age groups exposed to 0.4 ml/l concentration. Egg incubation period was increased (20%) when 4-4.5 day-old eggs were treated with thiacloprid at a rate of 0.4 ml/l compared with the untreated control. Thiacloprid was effective in reducing larval survival on potato seedlings or adults emergence from potatoes, exhibiting activity for at least 14 days after application. When already infected potato seedlings or tubers were treated with thiacloprid at a rate of 0.4 ml/l, adult emergence was decreased. Larvae that hatched from thiacloprid-treated eggs and fed, untreated tubers, encountered some difficulties in surviving and emerging as adults. Our data suggest that potato plants or tubers treated with thiacloprid at a commonly used rate (0.4 ml/l) should be well protected from the possibility of infestations by the potato tuber moth.