Chasing Phthorimaea operculella in the USA: What to expect when you are not expecting it

The potato tuberworm Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is by far one of the most important constraints to potato productivity worldwide. It was first detected in eastern Oregon in 2002. Nowadays, we can find tuberworm year after year. In the U.S., the potato tuberworm has been found in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and as far east as in Maryland and Virginia. A pheromone trapping network throughout the potato production area of north eastern OR and central WA has documented an increase in PTW range of nearly 50 miles per year. Control of PTW damage is critical because its larvae infest tubers (in the field as well as in storage), rendering them unmarketable. There is a zero level of tolerance in processed potatoes. Direct control through the use of insecticides is expected to climb as PTW range and population densities increase. Besides knowing the biology, ecology and dynamic of this pest is important to determine the origin of PTW Columbia Basin populations since that will help us understand how they were introduced and how to prevent further introductions.