This article is a composite of three messages posted by Erik Wenninger, a research entomologist and potato psyllid specialist with the University of Idaho, via PNWPestAlert.net over the last week.
May 27
This year’s first potato psyllids have been found in Idaho potato fields. We collected our first potato psyllids of the season from sticky cards in Idaho potato fields. Two psyllids were found: one in each of two potato fields in Canyon County, Idaho. Last year’s first potato psyllids were found at a similar time.
Sticky cards have now been deployed in 66 of the estimated 97 fields that will be included in the monitoring program this year.
University of Idaho Extension urges growers and crop consultants to have an integrated pest management program in place. More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found by clicking here.
Detailed results from the “light” sites (from which the two psyllids were found) can be found here. Detailed results from the “intense” sites can be found here.
May 29
Eastern Oregon’s first potato psyllids of the season have been collected from sticky cards in Malheur County potato fields. Two psyllids were found, one in each of two potato fields.
For information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, click here.
Additional information on pest management in potatoes in the Pacific Northwest is available here.
June 2
Both of the potato psyllids found last week (one in each of two potato fields in Canyon County) tested positive for liberibacter (Lso; the bacterium that causes zebra chip).
A more detailed update of trapping results from the past week will be posted on today.
UI Extension continues to urge growers and crop consultants to implement integrated pest management programs for zebra chip. More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found here.