Potential of plastic barriers to control Andean potato weevil Premnotrypes suturicallm

摘要

Andean potato weevils (P. suturicallus Kuschel) (APW) are the most serious potato (Solanum sp.) pests in the Andes at altitudes above 3,200 m a.s.l. The weevils hibernate mainly in fields previously planted to potato. Adults emerge at the start of therainy season, remaining in the field if potatoes are re-planted, or migrating to nearby potato fields. Farmers mainly attempt to control APW using several applications of highly toxic insecticides. Due to their lack of knowledge, sprays are often mistimed or the dosage is inappropriate, so losses are still serious. Knowledge of the migratory behavior of weevils has been used to study the effect of planting repellent plants at field borders. Also, spot applications of insecticide granules in ditches around potato fields have been compared to overall application. These studies suggest that, because APWs do not fly, the use of plastic barriers (PB) could be an effective method of control. We tested the hypothesis that PB established at field borders areeffective management tools to stop APW migration to potato fields, thereby reducing tuber damage caused by APW larvae. The objectives were to quantify data on potential efficacy in fallow-potato (F-P) and potato-potato (P-P) systems.