New Webcast Explores Migration Research of Zebra Chip-Carrying Potato Psyllids

Potato growers looking to reduce the likelihood of a zebra chip disease outbreak have been forced to rely on calendar-based insecticide applications due to the unpredictable arrival of disease-carrying potato psyllids.

Providing information about vector migration and overwintering habits is a new educational presentation from the Plant Management Network (PMN) entitled “What Is the Source of Potato Psyllids Colonizing Potato Fields in the Pacific Northwest?,” now available in the Focus on Potato resource for growers, crop consultants, and extension agents.

The webcast, developed by David Horton, Research Entomologist at USDA-ARS, provides possible reasons why psyllids have become more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and discusses:

• Recorded zebra chip outbreaks and potato psyllid biology
• Possible non-crop host plants allowing overwintering
• Current research investigating migration habits

The 22-minute presentation will remain open access through August 31 in the Focus on Potato webcast resource.

The Plant Management Network is a nonprofit publisher of applied, science-based resources that help enhance the health, management, and production of agricultural and horticultural crops. Partnering with over 80 universities, nonprofits, and agribusinesses, PMN provides materials covering a wide range of crops and contemporary issues through the online PMN Education Center.