-
Delivery from 1 bag of 5kg France, Switzerland and Europe
Delivery TermsWe deliver anywhere in France as quickly as possible. Cost/quality balance is our priority.
-
Certified Potato Plant Wholesale Supplier
About UsWe work with dozens of producers to offer you the best prices.
-
Certified Quality Potato Plants
Potato Technical ItineraryOur producers are selected for their reliability and the quality of their products.
-
Potato Growing Guide: The Cutworm, or Ipsilon Noctuid
The potato cutworm, or potato moth, is a serious pest in potato crops. These moth larvae cause considerable damage by cutting young plants and attacking roots and leaves. Managing the potato cutworm requires an integrated approach that includes prevention, monitoring, and specific control methods to minimize losses. Discover the symptoms of infection, prevention methods, and control methods for potato cutworm.
Symptoms of Grayworm Contamination
- Plants cut at the collar : The larvae of the Ipsilon Noctuid cut young plants at the collar, causing their premature death.
- Leaves nibbled with symmetrical holes : The larvae perforate the leaves, creating characteristic holes distributed evenly.
- Wilting and drying out of affected plants : By attacking the roots and crown, the larvae cause infected plants to wilt and dry out.
Detecting these signs early in the growing cycle is essential to limit losses and protect young plants.
Means of Prevention against Gray Worms
3-4 Year Crop Rotation
Crop rotation over a period of 3 to 4 years helps break the life cycle of the Ipsilon Noctuid by reducing its presence in the soil.
Regular Soil Work
Plowing and harrowing expose the larvae to predators and adverse weather conditions, which helps reduce their numbers.
Monitoring of plots from spring
Regular monitoring of plots from the beginning of spring allows the first signs of infestation to be detected quickly and preventive actions to be put in place.
Means of Fighting Gray Worms
Manual Collection of Larvae at Night
The larvae of the Ipsilon Noctuid Moth are active at night, making them suitable for manual collection . This method is particularly useful for small infestations.
Localized Insecticide Treatment
A localized insecticide treatment at the start of the infestation, applied to the crop row, helps limit the damage before the infestation worsens.
Application of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Entomopathogenic nematodes are microscopic organisms that parasitize and kill insects, providing a biological and effective solution to reduce the cutworm population.
Additional Information on Grayworm and its Management
The Ipsilon cutworm is a moth whose larvae, called cutworms, cause considerable damage by attacking young potato plants. These polyphagous larvae feed on a variety of plants, making them difficult to eradicate completely. An integrated approach is essential for managing this pest, combining prevention, proactive monitoring, and appropriate control methods. Through early detection and appropriate management practices, growers can minimize cutworm damage to their potato crops.
FAQ on Cutworm Management in Potato Crops
What damage does cutworm cause in potato crops?
Cutworm larvae cause significant damage by cutting young plants at the root collar, leading to their premature death. They also attack roots and leaves, causing affected plants to wilt and dry out. Patativerse Potato Wholesale offers resistant potato varieties, designed to better resist these pests.
How to recognize the signs of a cutworm infestation?
The main signs include plants cut at the collar, leaves with symmetrical holes, and wilted or dried-out plants. These symptoms often appear early in the growing cycle, and their early detection is crucial to limit losses. Patativerse Potato Wholesaler recommends monitoring these signs starting in the spring to take immediate action.
What prevention practices are effective against gray worms?
Preventative methods include crop rotation over 3 to 4 years to break the cutworm life cycle, regular tillage to expose the larvae to predators, and proactive monitoring of plots starting in the spring. In partnership with Patativerse Potato Wholesaler, growers can also find advice and tailored products for effective prevention.
What biological control methods can be used against the gray worm?
Entomopathogenic nematodes are an effective biological control method against cutworms. These organisms parasitize and kill the larvae. Manually collecting the larvae, especially at night when they are active, is also a useful biological method for small infestations. Patativerse Potato Wholesaler also offers support for producers wishing to adopt biological control solutions.
When and how to use an insecticide treatment to control cutworms?
Spot insecticide treatments can be applied at the first sign of infestation, targeting the crop rows. This approach helps limit damage before the infestation worsens, while minimizing the impact on the entire plot. Patativerse Potato Wholesaler can provide tailored solutions for effective treatment while respecting sustainable practices.