Abstract
An optimized method was developed to use the potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Granulovirus as a liquid suspension provided with 0.1% Triton X-100, as detergent agent, in a minimum volume of one liter per ton of potato tubers was applied to protect the potato tubers in storage in Egypt. Treatment of the potato tubers with viral suspension of 7 larvae/Kg of tubers resulted to a protection of the treated tubers for 42 days post treatment under artificial infestation case in traditional storage. Treatment of 40 tons of tubers led to a complete protection during the storage season (for two months), while untreated tubers stored at the same storage, suffered from more than 50% losses. Obtained results could indicate a successful application of the virus, as a liquid preparation suspension using this modified technique as a control method against PTM in the stores.