Integration of some biopesticides against potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zell.), during storage with reference to histopathological changes detected by a transmission electron microscope in the endocrine system

Abstract

The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an important pest. It attacks several cultivated solanaceous plants including potato (Solanum tubersum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), eggplant (Solanum melonguene), tomato (Lycopersicom esculentum), and bell pepper (Capasicum annuum). It has also been reported to be found on several wild plant hosts of the following genera: Solanum, Datura, Nicotiana, Fabina, Hyoscyamus, Physalodes, Lycium, and Nicandra. All over the world, it is the most important insect pest in potato field and storage under subtropical warms and dry summer conditions. The larvae attack both foliage and tubers in the field and infested tubers brought into heaps.