Rely on a unique Japanese solution (Philagro)

A part of: Articles, Crop protection, GROEI – Uitgawe 26: 2024 Winter

By Jaco Marais (Product Manager, Philagro)

Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller 1873) and Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917), commonly known
as the potato tuber moth (PTM) and tomato leaf miner (TLM) respectively, are Lepidopteran species from the Gelechiidae family. Larvae from these two species can cause significant damage to crops resulting in severe losses in yield. Warmer and drier climatic conditions may increase their abundance and activity.⁽²⁾

SumiPleo® is registered on potatoes for the control of larvae from both the potato tuber moth (left) and the tomato leaf miner (right).

Insect resistance management of PTM and TLM is critical in ensuring sustainable control. Short life cycles, large quantities of eggs being laid by a single female moth and the capacity to resist the effects of chemical active ingredients when used irresponsibly, contribute to resistance development.^(4,6)

To ensure sustainable control of PTM and TLM as well as ensure the continued efficacy of control measures currently on the market, the following steps are advised:⁽⁶⁾

The use of registered insecticides with different Modes of Action (MoA) in accordance with label recommendations.
Implementation of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy.

Potatoes serve as hostplants for PTM and TLM, with several production areas in South Africa being considered a high risk. PTM and TLM that infest leaves may pose a risk to smaller, younger plants early in the season.⁽⁵⁾ As foliage decreases towards the end of the season, PTM larvae start searching for new sources of feeding material.

Larvae penetrating small cracks in the soil surface may reach and infest tubers.⁽⁵⁾ Stored tubers may also be damaged if egg-laying moths gain access to storage facilities.^(1,5)

As with any pest, the use of an IPM strategy is recommended in managing PTM and TLM populations in an environmentally and economically sound manner.

This includes the following:

Monitoring and scouting for pest populations.
Chemical control measures. Management of PTM and TLM resistance development to chemical active ingredients is critical in ensuring sustainable use of insecticides.
Biological control measures.
Cultural control practices.
Where applicable, use of resistant or tolerant crop varieties.

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SumiPleo® is the perfect choice for controlling PTM and TLM as part of an IPM and resistance management strategy. It contains the novel active ingredient, Pyridalyl (IRAC group: UN) that was identified and developed by Sumitomo Chemical Company, Japan.

Key characteristics include:⁽³⁾

Unique chemical molecule (dichloropropene-derivative with no risk towards cross-resistance with any other molecule currently on the market.
A contact and stomach insecticide in an emulsifiable concentrate formulation.
Larvae cease to feed within three to four hours after ingestion.
When applying SumiPleo® against PTM and TLM, a 50% to 80% reduction in damage from leaf miners, Liriomyza huidobrensis and Liriomyza trifolii may be expected.
SumiPleo® is effective against all larval instars.
SumiPleo® has no adverse effects on beneficial organisms like predatory mites, wasps, beetles, earthworms, and pollinators, including bees. This makes SumiPleo® ideal for use in IPM.
SumiPleo® has a pre-harvest interval of 14 days on potatoes.
SumiPleo® does not require to be applied with additional adjuvants during application. It has excellent rain-fast characteristics once the spray mixture on the target plant has dried.

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READ THE LABEL BEFORE USE. SUMIPLEO® Reg. no. L8377, Act no. 36 of 1947. Pyridalyl dichloropropene-derivative (500 g/L). DANGER. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (aspiration hazard). May cause an allergic skin reaction. Causes eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Philagro South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Reg. no. 98/10658/07. PostNet Suite #378, Private Bag X025, Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria: 012 348 8808 l Somerset West: 021 851 4163. www.philagro.co.za.

References:

CABI DIGITAL LIBRARY. 2021. Datasheet: Phthorimaea operculella (Potato tuber moth). CABI Compendium. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/ Date of access: 21 June 2023.
KROSCHEL, J, SPORLEDER, L. and CARHAUPOMA, P. Pest distribution and risk atlas for Africa – Potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller 1873). International Potato Centre. https://cipotato.org/ Date of access: 26 June 2023.
SAKAMOTO, N., UEDA, N., UMEDA, K., MATSOU, S., HAGA, T., FUJUSAWA, T. and TOMIGAHARA, Y. 2005. Research and development of a novel insecticide “Pyridalyl”. Sumitomo Kagaku 2005-I.
Roditakis, E., Vasakis, E., Grispou, M., Stavrakaki, M., Nauen, R., Magali, G. and Bassi, A. 2015. First report of Tuta absoluta resistance to diamide insecticides. Journal of Pest Science, 88:9-16.
VISSER, D. 2011. A complete guide to vegetable pests in South Africa. Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria. 316 pp.
Visser, D., Nofemela, R. en Mailula, T. 2017. The invasive tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) in South Africa. ARC, Insect Ecology – Insect Pests: Fact Sheet no.3.

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