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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #361823
Research Project: Systems Approach for Managing Emerging Insect Pests and Insect-Transmitted Pathogens of Potatoes

Location: Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research

Title: The weed link in zebra chip epidemiology

Author
item Cooper, William - Rodney
item Horton, David
item WOHLEB, CARRIE - Washington State University
item WATERS, TIMOTHY - Washington State University

Submitted to: Potato Progress
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2019
Publication Date: 4/5/2019
Citation: Cooper, W.R., Horton, D.R., Wohleb, C.H., Waters, T.D. 2019. The weed link in zebra chip epidemiology. Potato Progress. 19:4.

Interpretive Summary: A major challenge in controlling zebra chip disease of potatoes is our inability to predict what potato fields are likely to be colonized by potato psyllid, the vector of the pathogen that causes zebra chip disease. Researchers at the USDA-ARS in Wapato, WA and the Washington State University examined the susceptibility to potato psyllid and the zebra chip pathogen of ten weed species occurring in the Pacific Northwest. This information was summarized in a visual reference that shows the potential risk of each weed species as a source of infective psyllids. The researchers also found that by monitoring the occurrence of potato psyllid on the spring host matrimony vine, they can predict what level of psyllid pressure will occur in potato that summer. This information will help growers make informed and timely management decisions to reduce the risk of potato psyllid and zebra chip disease.

Technical Abstract: A major challenge in controlling zebra chip disease of potatoes is our inability to predict what potato fields are likely to be colonized by potato psyllid, the vector of the pathogen that causes zebra chip disease. Researchers at the USDA-ARS in Wapato, WA and the Washington State University examined the susceptibility to potato psyllid and the zebra chip pathogen of ten weed species occurring in the Pacific Northwest. This information was summarized in a visual reference that shows the potential risk of each weed species as a source of infective psyllids. The researchers also found that by monitoring the occurrence of potato psyllid on the spring host matrimony vine, they can predict what level of psyllid pressure will occur in potato that summer. This information will help growers make informed and timely management decisions to reduce the risk of potato psyllid and zebra chip disease.