Potato  /  Andean potato weevil

The Andean potato weevil, Premnotrypes spp., is the most serious pest of potatoes at high altitudes (above 2800 meters) in the Andean region (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela). In recent years, the buildup of the weevil intensified in this region as production was concentrated into smaller areas and the rotation time between potatoes and other crops shortened. Under current conditions, 15 to 40 percent of tubers are commonly infested at harvest despite the use of insecticides. Fields are sometimes abandoned because of high infestations. 

Three main weevil species that share similar biological and ecological characteristics have been identified: P. vorax, occurring in northern Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela; P. suturicallus in central Peru; and P. latithorax, in southern Peru and Bolivia. Two other species of different genera, Rhigopsidius tucumanus and Phyrdenus muriceus, are largely restricted to Bolivia. Weevils that infest other Andean tubers such as oca, ulluco, and mashua have also been considered pests of potato. However, CIP's recent tests indicate that these weevil species do not infest potatoes.