Potato tuberworm
scouted Aug. 27, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Phtorimaea operculella
- Background
- A tobacco field, in Lenoir County was being scouted, and it was observed that the field was affected by burrowing, chewing, and eating from the inside of leaves. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as tobacco splitworm, also known at potato tuber moth, Phtorimaea operculella, which is an occasional tobacco pest that becomes more problematic during hot, dry periods. Splitworm larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, producing yellow-to-brown galleries. Damage usually begins on the lower leaves and moves upwards in the plant. Treatment may be justified when at least 10% of plants have 10 or more active mines. Since old mines remain after larvae emerges as adults, the suspected mines should be opened ton confirm they have live larvae before management decisions are made. Insecticides with systemic or translaminar activity will be effective against splitworms.
- Resources
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- No resources have been added.