Hosts

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Detection and identification

Larvae of Tecia solanivora feed exclusively on tubers during potato cultivation and, after harvest, in potato stores. Damage is caused by larvae that bore galleries into the tubers, making them unsuitable for consumption. In potato fields T. solanivora attack occurs from tuberization until harvest. Eggs are laid on the soil close to the potato plants; probably due to their sticky surface they get camouflaged by soil particles and cannot be seen. Tuber infestation caused by first instar larvae can be hard to detect, such that even with precautionary measures infested tubers are transferred to potato stores, where the pest and infestation of the whole stock can propagate further. As larvae develop inside the tubers, feces become visible around the entry hole and indicate infestation. Inside the tubers larvae bore irregular galleries that may run into the interior of the tubers or remain directly under the skin. After the larvae have left the tubers, the exit hole is clearly visible 

Selected Images

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Invasive Listing Sources

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• Idaho Invasive Species Act
• National Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Target Species
• National Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Target Species - 2015