This insect feeds not only on potato, but also on other crops, many weeds, and on a variety of other herbaceous plants. The larvae tunnel in the stems, weakening them so they break. There are usually two generations each year. Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves and the larvae tunnel in the stems and pupate in the burrows. Second generation larvae and those of the single generation corn borer overwinter in the stems and pupate in the spring.
Control begins with tillage of crop residue, either in the fall or early in the spring.
This reduces the survival of borers from the previous year. Pheromone traps may be used to monitor adult activity. Bacillus thuringiensis var. Consult the label for dosage rates, safety precautions, and preharvest intervals. Applications may be needed when caterpillars or signs of feeding damage are visible, or when pheromone traps indicate the flight of adults.