Growers Asked To Check Wheat Fields For Aphid

Washington State University is warning wheat growers to be on the lookout for an emerging species of aphid.  WSU is tracking an infestation by Metopolophium festucae cerealium, which was widespread across the Inland Northwest between 2011 and 2014.  School officials said the aphid is still very abundant within 50 miles of Pullman, so they are looking for it again in other places.

If anybody is sampling for insects in wheat fields, WSU has a protocol for collecting the aphid.  WSU would be appreciative if anybody can sample some fields and send any collected aphids to them.

PROTOCOL:

Take 150 - 180° sweeps per field in a 150m zig zag transect into the field from an edge. Catch stored in alcohol and saved until we provide shipping instructions.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com