Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.

Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.

When trapping is targeted for more than one species of moth, separate traps should be placed for different species of moth by at least 20 meters (65 feet). 

Trap color is up to the State and does not affect trap efficacy.

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.

Visual surveys are not an approved method and cannot be used to report negative data, but we are including some visual guidance to help surveyors who may observe larvae or signs of infestation. Approved trapping survey does not require surveyors to look for signs of infestation. 

Tecia solanivora has no obvious signs or symptoms on the above ground portions of host plants. 

In potato tubers, entry holes may remain inconspicuous, and no external signs may be seen until larvae leave the tuber through small (1/16-1/8 in.) circular exit holes. Cutting open infested tubers will reveal feeding galleries that contain larvae and residues of frass and shed skins.

A Likelihood of Establishment Map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate conditions and suitable hosts for this pathogen. The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from PPQ PPRA.

Since the number of generations varies based on environmental conditions and host availability, traps should be set at the start of flowering or when the average daily temperature remains above 45°F (minimum temperature threshold for moth development) and kept in place until after potatoes are harvested. Adult activity is relatively low during the initial potato growing stage and increases when the tuberization process starts, which usually happens 3 to 6 weeks after planting. Adult activity remains high until tubers reach physiological maturity, which occurs in most varieties 12-18 weeks after planting.

Trapping Survey

Commercial manufacturers of T. solanivora lure recommend one trap every 1-3 acres for pest detection purposes. Traps should be placed preferentially at the edges of potato fields as this is where populations increase the fastest. Place traps at the height of potato plants (approx. 1-2 ft.), not touching the foliage. When surveying in storage facilities, typically one trap placed in the building is enough to detect moths.

Visual Survey (optional)

     Note: Visual surveys are not an approved method and cannot be used to report negative data. 

Visual survey is not recommended when placing traps near potato fields. There are no obvious signs in the above-ground portions of potato plants and adults are not easy to spot while hiding in the foliage.

If desired, surveyors placing traps in or near storage facilities can inspect potatoes in the storage facility for signs of infestation. Inspect tubers for exit holes and cut up suspected infested tubers to find larvae or larval galleries. Because these methods may damage tubers, obtain permission before attempting. Visual surveys for adults in storage facilities are not recommended because they hide during the day.

Survey for T. solanivora in potato fields and in potato storage facilities. Focus survey efforts on sites with a history of pest infestation or with reports of potatoes showing signs of infestation.

Follow the Specimen Submission Guidance for Lepidoptera.

• A screening aid is available to assist with field identification. 
• ITP's Microlepidoptera on Solanaceae page offers multiple tools to help identify moths.
• Povolný (1994) provides a key for the keys for identification of Tecia spp. from southern South America (not including T. solanivora).
• Povolný (1973) provides drawings of adult genitalia for species identification.
• Passoa and Young (2007) provide identification of larval stages of Gelechiid moths.UNL-IANR, n.d.

Tecia solanivora resembles several other species of gelechiid moths, including Phthorimaea operculella and Symmetrischema tangolias of the potato tuber moth complex. Tecia solanivora can easily be distinguished from the other two moths based on forewing coloration and markings or by dissection of genitalia (see the screening aid and CAPS datasheet for details). 

Phthorimaea operculella is native to South America and is present in the western (California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho), southern (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas) and eastern United States (Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts). It feeds on solanaceous plants, including potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (S. lycopersicum), eggplant (S. melongena), black nightshade (S. nigrum), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).