The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is today one of the most important pests in potato. The use of resistant varieties to control this insect is a interesting technique, but it is necessary more researches about it. Resistance of potato genotypes to this pest was investigated under laboratory conditions by evaluating the effect of leaves and tubers on insect biology. Potato and tomato leaves were also compared in relation to suitability of insect development. Tests were carried out with the following genotypes: clones NYL 235-4 and N 140-201 (both with type A glandular trichomes on leaves), cultivars Aracy, Apuã and Itararé. The tomato cultivar Santa Clara was also included. Insects were reared on leaflets and tubers of each genotype in order to evaluate larval and pupal development time, larval and pupal survival and pupal weight. Insect development was not affected by leaves of potato genotypes, even when glandular trichomes were present. However, tomato leaves increased larval development time and reduced pupal weight when compared to potato leaves. In tests with tubers, NYL 235-4 showed resistance to potato tuber moth with a reduction in larval survival and an increase in larval development time. N 140-201 tubers also increased larval development time when compared to the cultivars Aracy, Apuã and Itararé.
Solanum tuberosum; insect biology; trichomes; tubers