Potato Psyllids Behind Last Year, Other Pests Present in Fields

WSU Researchers say they have found potato psyllids on just three of 55 sticky cards they’ve placed in their sampling fields.

At this time last year they had collected more than 3,200. That’s why they expect that an infestation to come though not as large as last year and not necessarily in every field.

Recommendations in dealing with Psyllids includes scouting vigorously including using sticky cards, looking underneath leaves for eggs and then applying a product if they are found.

Spider mites are also present in many Columbia Basin potato fields which could result in loss of yields if not controlled. There are several miticides that could be used, and surfactants can improve coverage.

Aphid numbers are declining though they were found on 95 percent of fields scouted. Information on fighting aphids can be found in WSU’s Insect Management Handbook.

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