Protection of stored potatoes from infestation with the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) using plant powders

Abstract

All plant powders had a reduction effect on the deposited eggs laid on the treated tubers with different degrees. The dried powders of Coriander, Clocynth, and Zygophyllum reduced egg deposition on the treated tubers than the control, followed by Jassmin, Senna, Cammomil, and Harmel. The powders of Basil and Solanum also recorded a moderate reduction in egg deposition. Zygophyllum and Coriander could protect the tubers for more than 8 weeks. All other treatments greatly minimized the number of emerged moths from the treated tubers (F1), as follows: Coriander = Zygophyllum (0) > Basil (17.39) > Geranium (17.85) > Cammomil (18.75) > Arnoglosse (19.32) > Jasmine (21.62) > Mint (21.69) > Harmel (52.77) > Senna and Colocynth (72.72) > Solanum (100) compared with untreated tubers (95.17). All treatments had no effects on the tuber germination.