This article on the origins, biology, natural enemies, injuriousness and control of Phthorimaea operculella on potatoes in South Africa includes notes on the introduction nearly 30 years ago of the parasitoids Copidosoma koehleri and Apanteles subandinus as biological control agents against the gelechiid. Their introduction apparently led to a sharp decline in the numbers of pockets of potatoes rejected due to moth damage at municipal markets. This recurrent yearly saving always represents a sum of money far in excess of the total cost of biological control research. none