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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #237860
Title: Seasonal Occurrence and Abundance of the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, in south central Washington

Author
item Munyaneza, Joseph - Joe
item Crosslin, James
item Buchman, Jeremy

Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2009
Publication Date: 8/16/2009
Citation: Munyaneza, J.E., Crosslin, J., Buchman, J.L. 2009. Seasonal Occurrence and Abundance of the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, in south central Washington. American Journal of Potato Research. 86:513-518.

Interpretive Summary: The potato psyllid has recently been identified as the insect vector of zebra chip, an important and emerging potato disease that is causing millions of dollars in losses to the potato industry in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and New Zealand. Effective management of this insect pest requires knowledge of its biology, ecology, geographic distribution, and population dynamics. Several reports indicated that the potato psyllid does not occur in Washington and Oregon. Researchers at USDA-ARS Wapato and Prosser, WA, studied the seasonal occurrence of the potato psyllid in this important potato growing region of the United States. It was determined that this insect pest occurs in Washington and appears to migrate into the region late in the growing season. Information from this study will help potato growers in Washington manage the potato psyllid to better prevent potential zebra chip disease outbreaks.

Technical Abstract: The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulc, has recently been identified as a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter, the putative causal agent of zebra chip (ZC) potato disease. ZC is causing millions of dollars in losses to the potato industry in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and New Zealand. Currently, the most effective strategy to manage this potato disease is to target the potato psyllid with insecticides. Effective management of this insect pest requires knowledge of its biology, ecology, geographic distribution, and population dynamics. Although it is well documented that the potato psyllid is common throughout the western United States, several reports have indicated that this insect pest does not occur in Washington and Oregon. However, this insect has recently been observed and collected in this region. Studies were conducted from 2005 to 2008 to document and determine the seasonal occurrence of the potato psyllid in this important potato growing region of the United States. The potato psyllid was monitored in untreated experimental potato plots at Moxee and Prosser in south central Washington. Contrary to previous reports, the potato psyllid was found to occur in Washington and appears to migrate into the region late in the growing season. Upon arrival in south central Washington in early August, this insect readily reproduces in potatoes and appears to have one generation a year. The origin of potato psyllids migrating to Washington has not yet been determined. Information from this study will help potato growers in Washington manage the potato psyllid to better prevent potential ZC outbreaks.