Population dynamics of eight pests on different potato cultivars in southwest China

Abstract

Yunnan province is most important area of potato planting in China. Meanwhile, there are many factors constraint to its developments, especially pest damage. So, eleven potato cultivars (such as Hezuo 88, Lishu 6, Qingshu 9 and Yunshu 304) of vital commercial variety in Yunnan were selected for pests investigation. The field survey of eleven potato cultivars in two cropping seasons (spring and autumn) was conducted from 2020 to 2021 in Yunnan province, China. During autumn planting season of 2020 and 2021, populations of eight insect pests including aphid, thrips, whitefly, leafhopper, potato tuber moth, tomato leaf miner, beet armyworm and cabbage moth were surveyed. All pest’s population peaked in October. Meanwhile, Qingshu 9 and Yunshu 304 has the largest population of aphid. The largest population of whitefly were reported on Hezuo 88 and Yunshu 304, respectively. The largest population of thrips were found on Hezuo 88, whereas Qingshu 9 has the lowest population of whitefly. The lowest population of aphid were observed on Lishu 6. The lowest population of thrips were found on Yunshu 304. During spring planting season of 2021, population of thrips, leafhopper and adult potato tuber moth were surveyed. The highest population was appeared in June. But there was no significant difference for the pests populations among different cultivars. These results of pests population dynamics during the cropping period would be helpful for making appropriate and sustainable pest management strategies.