Management of Subterranean Insect Pests of Potato

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crop both in developed as well as developing countries producing more dry matter and protein per hectare than the major cereal crops like wheat, rice, and maize. In India, it is believed to be introduced in early 17th century, most probably by the Portuguese or British traders. Presently, India is the 2nd largest producer of potato in the world recorded an increase in area from 0.24 million hectare in 1950-51 to 2.18 million hectare in 2017-18 with corresponding increase production from 1.66 to 49.34 million tons. Potato is subjected to attack by large numbers of insect pests from the time of planting to the harvesting. So far in Assam, systematic work on management of subterranean insect pests of potato is almost negligible. Therefore, in view of seriousness of the problem and as there are very limited works on these pests, the present investigation was undertaken.