Potato Tuberworms

Potato tuber worms Common name Potato tuber worms Potato tuber moth Tobacco split worm Causal agent Potato tuberworms are oligophagous pests belonging to the family Gelechiidae. The larval stage of the worm is responsible for the damage. They majorly affect members of the family Solanaceae. Scientific name Phthorimaea operculella Symptoms & Signs Potato tuberworm larvae feed on the tubers, stems, leaves, and petioles, boring tunnels in the tubers, and mines on the leaves. The worms deposit their excretion and silk on the tubers, resulting in pink eyes on the tubers. They feed on stored crops as well as those on the fields. Time of concern Throughout the year Common hosts Potatoes Tomatoes Tobacco Eggplant Pepper Datura