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Psyllid captures still low, Lso still present – 21 August 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 21, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from all 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 14 psyllids across 8 fields.
• Captures were from Owyhee, Canyon, Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls counties.
• Among the 12 psyllids captured last week, 1 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week remained quite low, and one more Lso-positive psyllid was captured last week. Overall captures this year have been low to modest with relatively high prevalence of Lso. Thankfully the low captures should help to mitigate the potential risk of ZC that may come with high prevalence of Lso. Interestingly, we still have yet to capture a potato psyllid in the Upper Snake region this year. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Psyllid captures lessen slightly, Lso is still present– 14 August 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 14, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from all 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 12 psyllids across 5 fields.
• Captures were from Payette, Canyon, Twin Falls, and Minidoka counties.
• Among the 24 psyllids captured last week, 2 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week ticked down a bit from last week, and two more Lso-positive psyllids were captured last week. Overall captures this year have been modest with relatively high prevalence of Lso. Interestingly, we still have yet to capture a potato psyllid in the Upper Snake region this year. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: August 13, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
EASTERN IDAHO PEST ALERT
Serving Counties: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton
Date: August 8, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 13
Disease Spotlight: Fusarium Wilt
Cause: Soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum
Crops Affected: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons
Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, brown vascular tissue
Management: Resistant varieties, crop rotation, soil health, sanitation, biological controls, solarization, and avoiding overwatering.
Fall Tree & Shrub Planting Tips
Why Fall is Ideal: Cooler temps, more rain, and still-warm soil encourage root growth.
Key Practice: Root washing helps correct root deformities in container plants.
Tips: Dig wide (not deep), use native soil, water wisely, mulch properly, stake only if necessary.
Codling Moth Management
Timing: 2nd generation egg hatch in most areas has begun or passed. Continue protection through Sept. 15.
Spray Schedules: Vary by location and fruit damage history (see region-specific table on page 5).
Product Guidance:
Conventional options: Spectracide, Sevin, Malathion, Bonide, etc.
Organic options: Neem oil, Cyd-X, Spinosad, pyrethrin products.
Choose different products for each generation to prevent resistance.
Fireblight Control
When: Monitor symptoms ~2 weeks after full bloom; prune infected wood during dry weather.
Chemical Controls: Copper, lime sulfur, oxytetracycline, Actigard, etc.
Biological Controls: Include Streptomycin, Blossom Protect, Serenade Optimum, Regalia, and others.
Pruning Reminder: Always disinfect tools between cuts.
Upcoming Events
IDAHO HOME GARDEN TIPS:
Aug 12: Deer Proofing Your Yard – Sara Mahdavi @ 7 PM
Aug 19: Late Season Flowers – Andy West @ 7 PM
Aug 26: Dehydrating Your Harvest
Sept 9: Understanding Manures
Sept 23: Freeze Drying Your Harvest
PLANT TALK Q&A:
Ron Patterson & Reed Findlay – Aug 12 & Aug 19 @ 7:30 PM
Contact Info:
University of Idaho Extension – Bonneville County
Position Announcement: Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station
All Crops All Locations
Foundation Seed Director
Posted on: August 12, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
We have a new position posted for the Foundation Seed Director and invite applicants to http://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/hr/postings/49200 for more information.
Title: Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station
Department: Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station
Posting Number: SP004976P
Open until filled with a first consideration of 9/14.
Reminder - Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day - August 20
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 12, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Come to the Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day on Wednesday, August 20. Registration begins at 8:30 with the field tour going from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Three ISDA pesticide recertification credits and three CCA IPM credits are available.
The cost to attend is $20 and lunch will be provided.
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
Reminder: Parma Field Day
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Posted on: August 11, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
2025 Field Day at Parma
More Lso-positive psyllids – 7 August 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 7, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 46 fields that we are monitoring; traps from some fields could not be retrieved due to pesticide spraying.
• We captured a total of 24 psyllids across 9 fields.
• Captures were from Elmore, Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls counties.
• Among the 25 psyllids captured last week, 10 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week were similar to last week and continue to track with the relatively low captures that we’ve seen over the last three years. However, with 10 more Lso-positive psyllid captures, we are seeing relatively high prevalence of Lso this year. Interestingly, most captures and all Lso-positive psyllids have been from the Magic Valley, with fewer captures in the Treasure Valley and none so far in the Upper Snake region. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
University of Idaho Field Days - August 14 and August 21
All Crops All Locations
General Announcement related to Agriculture
Posted on: August 5, 2025 by Kasia Duellman
Please mark your calendars for 2 upcoming University of Idaho Field Days:
August 14: Parma Field Day - Parma Research and Extension Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma Idaho
- Registration is FREE and begins at 7:15 AM, with FREE breakfast
- Tour begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 11:30 AM
- 1 ISDA credit, 2 ODA credits, 2 CCA/CCU IPM credits
- For more information, contact Dr. James Woodhall (jwoodhall@uidaho.edu) or Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis (afalconbrindis@uidaho.edu)
August 21: Aberdeen Potato IPM Field Day - Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, 1693 S 2700 W, Aberdeen Idaho
- Not just potatoes - topics also cover small grains, mustards, and more
- Registration is FREE and begins at 8:30 AM
- Tour begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at Noon, with a FREE box lunch
- 2 ISDA credits, and CCA/CCU credits will also be available
- For more information, contact Dr. Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)
Psyllid captures slightly lower than last week – 31 July 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 31, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 39 fields that we are monitoring; traps from several Treasure Valley fields will be picked up next week because of the Potato Association of America meeting this week.
• We captured a total of 25 psyllids across 8 fields.
• Captures were from Gooding and Twin Falls counties.
• Among the 38 psyllids captured last week, 4 tested positive for Lso; all positives were from the Magic Valley.
Psyllid captures this week were slightly lower than last week and similar to the moderately low captures we saw during this period in the last three seasons. Although we captured a few Lso-positive psyllids last week, the modest overall captures should mitigate ZC risk. We saw similar patterns last year (i.e., relatively low captures with several Lso detections in July to August) and ZC did not turn out to be a big problem.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Water Storage Options in Eastern Idaho
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 28, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
The seminar will feature a keynote address by Senator Cook (30th District), a forecast for the groundwater-surface water agreement, presentations on and drone footage of water storage alternatives, and an expert panel discussion on the alternatives presented to answer your questions. Alternatives to increase storage include: Teton Dam, Ashton Dam, Lane Lake, Jackson Dam, Minidoka Dam, and Mud Lake. This year’s gathering is co-hosted with the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council, with sponsorship from the Bingham Groundwater District and the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group.
Water Storage Options in Eastern Idaho
Date: Tuesday, August 19 from 8:30am–2:30pm (lunch provided)
Location: Romance Theater, 2 E Main St, Rexburg ID
We are currently investigating options for livestream, but cannot guarantee a live virtual format. Please prioritize in-person attendance.
RSVP required. Visit tinyurl.com/wateridaho. This will help us get an accurate estimate for lunch, catered by Blisters BBQ.
The agenda and meeting flyer are attached. Please circulate with those who might be interested. Please contact either Keith, Dean Mortimer, or Brad Buttars if your organization is interested in helping sponsor this important event.
Please don't hesitate to be in touch with questions. Hope to see you there!
Thank you,
Roger Warner, President
Keith Esplin, Executive Director
208.243.1824
Psyllid captures increase – 24 July 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 24, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 38 psyllids across 13 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Jerome, Gooding, and Twin Falls.
• Among the 13 psyllids captured last week, none tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week ticked up from last week and were slightly above what we have seen during this period in the last three seasons. This is not entirely surprising given the high temperatures, and captures are still not anywhere near our highest capture years. ZC risk still appears to be fairly low this year.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
UI Cereals Extension Variety Trials - the last week
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 21, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
Please see the attached PDF for the directions / addresses to the last two field days for the UI Cereals Extension Program.
Soda Spring tomorrow (Tuesday July 22) starting at 10 AM at the winter trials, and then the spring trials.
For the Wednesday Field Day (July 23) , it will be at the Tetonia R&E Center on station, starting at 10 AM.
Cheers!
Juliet
Psyllid captures still low; one Lso-positive psyllid from last week – 17 July 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 17, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 13 psyllids across 5 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Jerome, Gooding, and Twin Falls.
• Among the 9 psyllids captured last week, 1 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week were similar to the relatively low captures during this period in the last 2-3 seasons. With relatively low psyllid captures and only two Lso-positive psyllids detected so far, ZC risk appears to be relatively low this year. That could change as the season progresses and temperatures rise, so stay tuned.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
UI Extension Cereal Variety Trial Field Days
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 17, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
Join us tomorrow w for the Idaho Falls field day to look at the spring wheat and barley variety trials. About one half mile north of
2550 S 45th W
Idaho Falls ID 83402
On the west side of the road.
Next week, we will be in Soda Springs, starting 10 AM at the winter dryland trials then to the spring trials on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday morning, we will be at the Tetonia R&E Center, again starting at 10 AM.
Hope you can join us!
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert - July 11, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 9
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Posted on: July 16, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert - July 11, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 9
Coverage: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton Counties
Prepared by: University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County
Editor: Ron Patterson
Featured Pest Alerts
Blister Mites (Phytoptus pyri, Eriophyes mali)
Host Crops: Apples, Pears
Symptoms: Brown, blister-like galls on upper leaf surfaces; stunted growth and early leaf drop in heavy infestations
IPM Tips:
- Apply dormant oil sprays in late winter
- Monitor with a hand lens during early spring bud break
- Use sulfur dust or miticides post-bloom as needed
- Encourage predatory mites and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides
Pollinator & Predator Spotlight – Painted Lady Beetle (Mulsantina picta)
Benefits: Natural predator of aphids, mites, and soft-bodied pests
Habitat: Conifers, meadows, and gardens
Conservation Tips:
- Include native flowering plants and conifers
- Leave mulch, bark, and leaf litter undisturbed for overwintering
- Refrain from using broad-spectrum pesticides
Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
Current Stage: First and second generation overlap ongoing
Spray Guidance:
- High-pressure sites: Follow Option A (insecticide) or Option B (oil + insecticide) and repeat every 14–18 days
- Low-pressure sites: Begin at first egg hatch and adjust timing based on trap data
- Backyard Options: Use products like Spinosad, Malathion, or codling moth virus (Cyd-X) based on label rates
Note: See full tables (pgs. 6–7) for region-specific spray dates from Burley to Driggs
Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora)
Symptoms: Blackened shoots resembling fire scorch; visible two weeks post-bloom
Management Tips:
- Prune on dry days and disinfect tools between cuts
- Apply protectants or resistance inducers during bloom (e.g., Actigard, Regalia)
- Apply biologicals (e.g., Blossom Protect, Serenade) at bloom or post-bloom
Backyard Note: If no blooms are present, focus on sanitation and pruning
Webinars & Upcoming Events
- July 22 – Chip Bud Grafting Fruit Trees – Bracken Henderson (7:30 PM MT)
- July 24 – Plant Talk Q&A – Ron Patterson & Reed Findlay (7:30 PM MT)
- August 12 – Deer Proofing Your Yard – Sara Mahdavi (7:00 PM MT)
- August 26 – Dehydrating Your Harvest
- Sept 9 – Understanding Manures
- Sept 23 – Freeze Drying Your Harvest
Zoom Link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/92616335377
More Information: Check the Attached PDF
Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho Extension – Bonneville County
1542 E 73rd S, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 529-1390
bonneville@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/extension/county/bonneville
Facebook | Instagram
» Pest_Alert_July_11_2025_blister_mites_painted_lady_beetles.pdf
Psyllid captures still low; no new Lso-positives (July 10, 2025)
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 10, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from 47 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 9 psyllids spread across 8 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Jerome, Gooding, and Twin Falls.
• The 3 psyllids captured last week all tested negative for Lso.
• For psyllids captured this week, we expect to have results on Lso incidence next week.
Psyllid captures this week were lower than at this time last year, and more similar to the low captures we observed early in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. With relatively low psyllid captures so far and only one Lso-positive psyllid detected so far, ZC risk appears to be low this year. That could change as the season progresses and temperatures rise, so stay tuned.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Malheur Experiment Station Field Day – July 9
All Crops Treasure Valley Oregon
Posted on: July 7, 2025 by Russell Smith-Ollivierre
You're invited to the 2025 Field Day at the Malheur Experiment Station!
Date: Wednesday, July 9
Location: 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
Discover the latest agricultural research with field trials featuring onions, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and hemp. You'll also hear updates on the Drip Tape to Diesel Pyrolysis Project.
Schedule:
· 8:30 AM – Registration opens; enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts in the barn
· 12:00 PM – Hosted lunch provided
This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated to help plan lunch.
RSVP or for more information: Contact Jan Jones at (541)889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu
Amalgamated Sugar Research Field Day
Sugarbeets All Locations
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Jeff Miller
The Amalgamated Sugar Research Field Days will be Tuesday, July 8 in Nyssa at the ASC Research Site and Thursday, July 10 at the Hatch Research Farm just south of Declo.
Nyssa Field Day Features:
Rhizoctonia Control
Herbicide Drift Demonstrations
Weed zappers, new chemistries, and drones
Palmer amaranth ID and control
Declo Field Day Features:
Irrigation scheduling and sensors
Thermal drones and data collection
Comparison of fertility programs
Cover crops for sugarbeet
Pesticide credits will be available and a locally catered dinner will be provided along with a raffle and door prizes.
Also, the 3rd annual big beet contest will be held with separate entries for youth and adults.
2025 Potato psyllid monitoring program underway in Idaho
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
The University of Idaho and our crop consultant collaborators across the state are once again monitoring potato psyllids, zebra chip disease (ZC), and liberibacter (Lso), the bacterium associated with ZC. The monitoring program covers commercial potato fields throughout southern Idaho and is funded largely by the Idaho Potato Commission and generous in-kind contributions by our cooperators.
Our official monitoring season began with wide deployment of traps last week and will continue for at least 10 weeks. We have 48 fields across the state this year, using 4 sticky traps per field at all sites.
• This week we received traps from 46 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 3 psyllids, one from each of 3 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Jerome, and Twin Falls.
• Before the full monitoring program was underway, we also captured 2 psyllids from the Kimberly Research & Extension Center, one of which tested positive for Lso.
• For psyllids captured this week, we expect to have results on Lso incidence next week.
Psyllid captures this week were lower than at this time last year, and more similar to the low captures we observed early in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. It is not uncommon to see some Lso-positive psyllids early in the season and fewer as the season progresses. Given the low captures of psyllids so far, the single Lso-positive psyllid found does not necessarily represent high ZC risk for this season.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day - August 20, 9:00-12:00
Potato All Locations
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Miller Research will be holding its annual potato pest
management field day on Wednesday, August 20 and this year we will be
celebrating our 50th anniversary. The field day will begin at the
Miller Research field research at our main office at 422 E 200 N, Rupert (42.648994
N, 113.585612 W).
The cost to attend is $20 and payment can be made online through
PayPal or at the event. Contact Cheryn Suarez at cheryn@millerresearch.com or
(208) 312-4650 if you have questions.
The presentations will focus on chemical management of
diseases and will highlight research that has been funded by the Pacific Northwest
Potato Research Consortium. ISDA pesticide recertification credits and CCA Pest
Management credits have been requested for this meeting.
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:30 Soil health in potatoes (Year 7 of an ongoing
study, presentation in the shop)
9:30 – 10:00 In-furrow fungicides and seed treatments for
Rhizoctonia management
10:00 – 10:30 Variety susceptibility to powdery scab and
PMTV
10:30 – 11:00 Fungicide programs for foliar disease
management; PCC lime for disease control
11:00 – 11:30 Managing black dot on the foliage and tubers
11:30 – 12:00 Alternatives to metam fumigation for
Verticillium wilt control
Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert Summary June 20, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 6
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert
Posted on: June 27, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 20, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 6
Coverage: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton Counties
Prepared by: University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County
Editor: Ron Patterson
Featured Pest Alerts
Raspberry Crown Borer (Pennisetia marginata)
- Pest Type: Clear-winged moth
- Damage: Larvae bore into crowns/roots, causing cane wilt, stunting, and reduced yield.
- IPM Tips:
- Remove infested canes in late summer/fall
- Eliminate nearby wild brambles
- Encourage plant vigor through irrigation
- Nighttime insecticide sprays can help
Pollinator Spotlight – Golden-Haired Flower Longhorn Beetle
- Species: Lepturobosca chrysocoma
- Role: Beneficial pollinator and wood decomposer
- Habitat: Flowers in meadows and forest edges
- Conservation Tips:
- Plant native wildflowers
- Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides
- Leave some deadwood for larval habitat
Fire Blight in Apples and Pears
- Symptoms: Blackened shoots, “burned” look after bloom
- Management:
- Prune infected shoots on dry days
- Disinfect tools between cuts
- Apply copper or antibiotics before/after rain or dew
- Note: Only spray if blossoms are still open
Codling Moth – 1st & 2nd Generation Spray Timing
- Crops at Risk: Apples, pears
- Egg Hatch Periods:
- June 9–30: Burley, Preston
- June 12–July 3: Idaho Falls, Blackfoot
- July 2: Driggs (2nd gen)
- Backyard & Commercial Tips:
- Use insecticides or oils at night for best control
- Follow region-specific timing tables
- Rotate products between generations
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS
View full schedule in the attached PDF
More Information Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
1542 E 73rd S
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
» Pest_Alert_June_20_GoldenHaired_Flower_Longhorn_Beetle,_raspberry_crown_borer.pdf
Onion Thrips Activity Increasing in the Treasure Valley
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Posted on: June 18, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alert: Onion Thrips Activity Increasing in the Treasure Valley
Crop: Dry Bulb Onion
Pest: Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Region: Treasure Valley – Oregon and Idaho
Onion thrips populations are increasing across the region, with presence confirmed in over 97% of monitored onion fields. In many of those fields, more than 80% of plants are now infested. Fields with more mature, larger plants are showing particularly elevated activity. Smaller, early-stage fields (3-leaf stage or younger) remain largely unaffected, but this is expected to change as the season progresses.
Thrips Identification & Lifecycle
Adult onion thrips are tiny (1–1.3 mm), slender, pale yellow to brown insects with fringed wings. Immature stages (called larvae or nymphs) are wingless and lighter in color. Thrips thrive in hot, dry conditions and reproduce rapidly, often completing multiple generations per season. Eggs are laid within the leaf tissue, and nymphs feed on sap, developing through several instars before pupating in the soil or leaf axils.
What to Watch For
- Silvery streaks or flecking on leaves caused by feeding
- Black specks (excrement) near feeding sites
- Thrips concentrated in leaf folds, near the neck, or under tight canopies
- Reduced vigor or curling of young leaves
Thrips infestations can reduce onion yield by 20% or more. While no significant signs of Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) have been confirmed so far this season, continued vigilance is important, especially as thrips numbers build. IYSV lesions appear as oval to diamond-shaped chlorotic or necrotic spots on leaves, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and negatively affecting bulb storage.
Management Recommendations
Coverage is Key:
As canopy density increases, spray coverage becomes more challenging. Increase spray volumes to ensure deeper penetration into the neck and inner foliage, where thrips hide.
Insecticide Strategy:
- Systemic products (e.g., Movento) are effective by moving through plant tissues and targeting hidden feeding sites.
- Translaminar products (e.g., Radiant) enter the leaf surface and reach thrips feeding on the undersides or inside folds.
- Adjuvants: Use a penetrating adjuvant to enhance uptake and movement of active ingredients within plant tissue.
Cultural Practices:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote lush growth and higher thrips populations.
- Monitor weed presence, as weeds can serve as alternate thrips hosts.
- Early planting and maintaining strong plant vigor can help plants tolerate feeding pressure better.
Resistance Management:
Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to delay resistance development. Always follow label directions and recommended thresholds.
Scouting Tips
- Start scouting early and continue weekly, especially as plants reach the 5–7 leaf stage.
- Sample at least five plants from four separate areas of the field.
- Use hand lenses or beat plants over a white surface to count individuals.
- Focus on inner leaves and the base of the neck.
- Threshold: Begin treatments when thrips exceed 1–3 per leaf, depending on crop stage and environmental conditions.
Stay vigilant. Early and consistent management of onion thrips helps protect yield potential and reduce the risk of IYSV later in the season.
More management information here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-thrips
This alert was prepared by Russell Smith Ollivierre, Oregon State University Malheur County Extension, with data contributions from Stuart Reitz, Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-thrips
Strawberry Root Weevil Pupa
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Strawberry Root Weevil
Posted on: June 12, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Strawberry Root Weevil Alert – Be on the Lookout!
Found Strawberry Root Weevil pupae in Treasure Valley: The pupa of the strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus) is a transitional life stage between the larva and adult, typically found in the soil near the root zone of host plants. Here are the key characteristics:
Strawberry Root Weevil – Pupal Stage Characteristics:
- Color: Initially creamy white; may turn light tan as it matures.
- Shape: Soft-bodied, oblong, and slightly curved. The body is segmented and resembles the general adult form.
- Size: About 5–7 mm in length, depending on species and development stage.
- Visibility of adult features: The legs, antennae, and developing snout (rostrum) of the adult are visible but folded close to the body.
- Habitat: Pupates in an earthen cell or cavity in the soil, usually close to the roots of infested strawberry or other host plants.
- Duration: The Pupal stage generally lasts 2–3 weeks in spring (April–June), depending on temperature and soil conditions.
- Mobility: Pupae are non-feeding and immobile.
Since pupae are hidden in the soil, they are rarely observed unless the soil is carefully excavated near the crown and roots of the plant. Refer to the attached file for a visual reference of the Strawberry Root Weevil Pupa
Strawberry root weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.) are common pests in strawberry fields across the Pacific Northwest. While adult weevils cause minor notching on leaves, the real damage comes from their larvae feeding on roots through winter and spring, leading to stunted growth, reduced yields, or even plant death in severe cases.
What to Watch For:
- Notched leaves from adult feeding (visible in early summer)
- Wilting or stunted plants from root damage
- Adults hide under plant debris during the day or emerge at night
Now is the time to inspect your strawberry fields. Check for notched leaves, look under plant debris, or monitor at night for adult activity. Early detection is key to preventing egg-laying and larval root damage.
If you notice signs, consider control options including biological (entomopathogenic nematodes), cultural (soil cultivation), or chemical treatments applied at night for best results. More management information here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/strawberry/strawberry-root-weevil
Stay alert and protect your berries!
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/strawberry/strawberry-root-weevil
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 6, 2025 | Vol. 6, Issue 4
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 10, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 6, 2025 | Vol. 6, Issue 4
Coverage Areas: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties
CURRENT PEST AND DISEASE ISSUES
Fire Blight Alert
Fire blight risk levels are Exceptional to Extreme across most of Eastern Idaho through mid-June.
High-risk management strategies:
- Prune infected twigs and branches on dry days.
- Disinfect tools between each cut using alcohol, bleach solution, or disinfectant wipes.
- Apply antibiotics within 24 hours of a wetting event (rain or heavy dew) when blossoms are open.
- Biological control products (e.g., Blossom Protect, Double Nickel) are recommended for resistance management and organic systems.
Codling Moth Management
Egg hatch timing is highly variable due to unusual weather patterns this spring. Spray timing depends on prior fruit damage and production system.
Conventional Orchards:
- High damage history: Apply 2 sprays per generation (start with oil or insecticide).
- Low damage history: Fewer sprays needed, often just 1 per generation.
Organic Orchards:
- High damage history: 3 sprays per generation, spaced 7–10 days apart.
- Low damage history: 2 sprays per generation.
Backyard Trees:
- Treatment options include conventional (e.g., Triazicide, Sevin) and organic (e.g., Cyd-X, Neem oil, Spinosad) products. See page 7 for efficacy and timing.
Leafhoppers
- Leafhoppers feed on plant sap, causing stippling and potential fruit damage.
- Regular scouting is advised for sensitive crops like apples, pears, and grapes.
- IPM strategies include monitoring populations and protecting beneficial insects.
FRUIT PRODUCTION NOTES
Alternate Bearing in Apples
Many apple varieties alternate between heavy and light production years.
- In heavy crop years, thin fruits to reduce strain and encourage consistent yields next season.
- Thinning also improves fruit size and reduces limb breakage.
PESTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR FIRE BLIGHT
Refer to the full table on page 5 for:
- Antibiotic options (e.g., Oxytetracycline, Kasugamycin)
- Biological products (e.g., Serenade, BlightBan, Regalia)
- Copper-based sprays for pre-bloom or dormant application
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS - Check the PDF attached
View full schedule in the attached PDF or join online at:
Beet Leafhopper Detected in Malheur County, Oregon
Sugarbeets Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus)
Posted on: June 9, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Beet Leafhopper Detected in Malheur County
Treasure Valley – Malheur County, Oregon
June 4, 2025
Pest Detected:
Beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus), the insect vectors responsible for transmitting both Beet Leafhopper-Transmitted Virescence Agent (BLTVA) and Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV), were detected in all 12 fields surveyed during recent monitoring in Malheur County. These pathogens can cause significant yield and quality losses in potatoes and sugar, two economically important crops in the Treasure Valley:
- Beet Leafhopper-Transmitted Virescence Agent (BLTVA) – causes purple top disease in potatoes
- Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) – affects sugar beets and other broadleaf crops
Identification:
- Adults: Small (3.4–3.7 mm), wedge-shaped, pale green to yellowish, quick to fly when disturbed
- Nymphs: Wingless, flattened, yellow-green with visible wing pads
- Often found on broadleaf weeds and crop foliage
Symptoms of Infection:
Potatoes (BLTVA – Purple Top):
- Upright, stunted plant growth
- Rolling or curling of upper leaves
- Purpling or reddening of leaves
- Aerial tuber formation
- Early vine death and reduced tuber yield/quality
Sugar Beets (BCTV):
- Yellowing and thickening of leaves
- Leaf curling and brittleness
- Stunted plants; potential wilting or death in severe infections
Symptoms are most severe when infection occurs early in the growing season.
Scouting & Monitoring:
- Use sweep nets or yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. It is important to deploy more than one trap per field and check them regularly. When the average catch rate approaches 40–100 per week, action may be warranted.
- Begin scouting early, particularly during warm, dry spring conditions
- Focus on field borders and areas with broadleaf weeds (e.g., kochia, mustards, Russian thistle) that serve as host plants
Management Recommendations:
Cultural Control:
- Eliminate broadleaf weeds and volunteer crops along field edges and irrigation canals to reduce overwintering and early-season host sites
- Avoid planting near known beet leafhopper overwintering zones when possible
- Plant approved curly top-resistant varieties rather than relying solely on adult insect control
- Maintain good field sanitation and monitor surrounding non-crop vegetation
Chemical Control:
- Use neonicotinoid seed treatments for early-season protection
- Choose insecticides with translaminar or systemic activity for improved efficacy
- Group 4A and 3A products have shown the highest efficacy
- Rotate insecticide groups to mitigate resistance development
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Combine cultural, chemical, and monitoring practices
- Track regional pest trends to support timely and informed intervention
Oregon State University
OSU Extension Service—Malheur County
710 SW 5th Avenue , Ontario, Oregon 97914
Tel:541-881-1417
Growing Degree Days Calculator
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Posted on: June 7, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
New Feature Alert: Celebrate World Pest Awareness Day with PNW Pest Alert!
In honor of World Pest Awareness Day (June 6), we’re thrilled to announce a powerful new tool now available on www.pnw.pestalert.net
We’re excited to launch a brand-new tool on www.pestalert.net
Our Growing Degree Day (GDD) Calculator is now LIVE – designed to help you track pest development stages and make informed management decisions tailored to your location and crops. Check it out now: https://pnwpestalert.net/gdd/
Pest Alert – Codling Moth Activity Increasing in Apples
Apple Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Codling Moth
Posted on: June 3, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Treasure Valley (Canyon County, Idaho)
June 2025
Moth captures confirmed from pheromone trap at local orchard (7 moths/trap/week)
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) adult flight is active in the Treasure Valley region, with degree day (GDD) accumulations reaching ~680 (Base 50°F) as of June 2, 2025. Trap monitoring has confirmed moderate to high pressure, with 7 moths captured per trap this week.
- Track daily GDDs to prepare for second-generation sprays (expected at 1000–1100 GDD).
- Continue weekly trap monitoring to refine timing.
This timing coincides with peak first-generation egg hatch. Immediate action is advised to prevent worm damage to apples.
- Egg hatch typically begins at 250 GDD
- Peak egg hatch occurs between 650–750 GDD
- Now, in the critical larval emergence window
Recommended IPM Management Actions: Spray Immediately to Control Larvae
Apply a larvicide now to target newly hatched larvae. Follow label instructions and re-treatment intervals. Reapply if moth captures remain above the threshold.
Cultural & Mechanical Controls
- Thin fruit clusters to reduce entry points (leave one fruit per cluster, space ~6" apart).
- Remove and destroy infested or fallen fruit weekly.
- Bag fruit at quarter-size after spraying (brown paper bags or nylon footies with kaolin clay pre-soak).
- Keep trap records: If weekly trap catch exceeds 5–10 moths per trap, additional sprays may be needed.
Resistance Management
- Rotate modes of action (IRAC group) each generation to avoid resistance.
- Limit broad-spectrum insecticides that can flare up mites and reduce beneficial insects.
There are different management options to consider when controlling this pest.There are different management options to consider when controlling this pest.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth
Option A: Starting at 200 DD, apply a mixture of water and horticultural oil at 1% concentration to smother egg infestation. Follow with the first application of insecticide at 350 DD. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.
Option B: Starting at 220-250 DD, apply insecticides that target newly hatched larvae. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.
The reference publication links to view insecticide options for commercial or residential sites.
This pest needs prevention all season long for clean fruit.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1879&context=extension_curall
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/
To report pest activity in your area: https://pnwpestalert.net/submitalert/
Summer 2025 Heat Wave Forecast: Be Prepared for Heat Stress in the Field!
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Heat Wave Forecast
Posted on: June 2, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
"Protect Yourself and Your Crew from Extreme Heat: Gear up and Stay Hydrated"
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center the 2025 summer forecast calls for 'overwhelmingly above normal' heat starting in June link: Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat related illnesses and what actions to take.
Environmental Health and Safety links:
Managing-heat-stress-with-faqs
CDC links:
HeatRisk | Tracking | NCEH | CDC
About Heat and Your Health | Heat Health | CDC
Heat-related Illnesses | Heat | CDC
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and pace yourselves.
More Information: Beth Brune
Operations Manager
University of Idaho | Kimberly R&E Center, Kimberly, ID 83341
Email: bbrune@uidaho.edu
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert MAY 30, 2025 VOL. 6 ISS. 3
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 1, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Coverage Areas: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties
CURRENT PEST AND DISEASE ISSUES
Fire Blight Alert
- Fire blight risk levels are Exceptional to Extreme across most regions in Eastern Idaho through mid-June.
- High-risk management includes:
- Pruning out infections on dry days.
- Disinfecting tools between cuts.
- Applying antibiotics within 24 hours of a wetting event when blossoms are open.
- Consider biological control products for resistance management.
- A full table of risk periods by location is provided, with tailored spray guidance.
Codling Moth Management
- Egg hatch timing is highly variable due to weather.
- Management recommendations differ based on past fruit damage levels and whether growers use conventional or organic approaches.
- Conventional:
- Two sprays per generation recommended for high damage history.
- Fewer sprays for low-damage history, starting with oil or insecticide.
- Organic:
- Three sprays spaced 7–10 days apart for high-damage history.
- Two sprays per generation for low-damage history.
- Backyard tree treatment options include both conventional and organic products.
Leafhoppers
- Feeding causes stippling on leaf surfaces and can damage fruit.
- Monitoring and management are advised, especially for sensitive crops.
FRUIT PRODUCTION NOTES
Alternate Bearing in Apples
- Many apple varieties exhibit alternate bearing with heavy crops every other year.
- Best management is to thin fruits in heavy years to balance future yields.
PESTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR FIRE BLIGHT
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS: Check the PDF attached
Let’s work together to protect both our crops and our ecosystem. Reach out to your local Extension office for help with insect ID and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored for your area https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties
More Information, Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
» Pest_Alert_May_30_2025_alternate_bearing_fruit,_leafhopper.pdf
Pest Alert: Found One Codling Moth in the Canyon County Apple Trees
Apple Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Apple Codling Moth
Posted on: May 28, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Codling moth is a key insect pest of apples and pears in Idaho. Left unmanaged, it can cause "wormy" fruit and significant crop loss.
Identification – Know the Signs & Symptoms
Stage | Identification |
Adult Moth | Grayish-brown, 1/2 inch long, with a coppery-brown band at wing tips. |
Egg | Tiny, flat, and translucent – laid singly on fruit or leaves. |
Larva | Creamy white to pink caterpillar with a dark brown head – this is the “worm.” |
Pupa | Formed in bark crevices or leaf litter in silken cocoons. |
Symptoms on Fruit:
- Small, dark entry holes ("sting") on the apple surface.
- Frass (sawdust-like excrement) near the hole.
- Tunnels inside the fruit leading to the core.
- Premature fruit drop in severe infestations.
Current Monitoring & Degree Days
- Biofix (first moth detected): Mid-May
- Current Degree Days (base 50°F): 206 DD as of May 18
- Egg hatch begins: 220–250 DD – NOW is the time for action!
Management Options
Option A: Early Prevention (Egg Smothering)
- When: At 200 DD
- Action: Apply horticultural oil (1% concentration) to suffocate eggs.
- Follow-Up: Insecticide at 350 DD.
Option B: Target Larvae
- When: 220–250 DD
- Action: Apply insecticides to kill newly hatched larvae before they burrow into fruit.
Insecticide Options: Refer https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth
Always read and follow the label directions for safety and effectiveness.
Non-Chemical Options
- Fruit Bagging: Bag individual fruitlets to block larvae entry.
- Sanitation: Remove dropped fruit and prune trees to reduce overwintering sites.
- Trapping: Use pheromone traps to monitor moth flights and guide sprays.
Season-Long Strategy: Codling moth has multiple generations per season. Continue monitoring traps and tracking degree days to time follow-up sprays or control measures.
Helpful Resources
https://climate.usu.edu/includes/pestFactSheets/Codling-Moth.pdf
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/
For more assistance, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties
Keep your fruit clean and healthy – act now!
Psyllid captures still low, Lso still present – 21 August 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 21, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from all 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 14 psyllids across 8 fields.
• Captures were from Owyhee, Canyon, Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls counties.
• Among the 12 psyllids captured last week, 1 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week remained quite low, and one more Lso-positive psyllid was captured last week. Overall captures this year have been low to modest with relatively high prevalence of Lso. Thankfully the low captures should help to mitigate the potential risk of ZC that may come with high prevalence of Lso. Interestingly, we still have yet to capture a potato psyllid in the Upper Snake region this year. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Psyllid captures lessen slightly, Lso is still present– 14 August 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 14, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from all 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 12 psyllids across 5 fields.
• Captures were from Payette, Canyon, Twin Falls, and Minidoka counties.
• Among the 24 psyllids captured last week, 2 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week ticked down a bit from last week, and two more Lso-positive psyllids were captured last week. Overall captures this year have been modest with relatively high prevalence of Lso. Interestingly, we still have yet to capture a potato psyllid in the Upper Snake region this year. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: August 13, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
EASTERN IDAHO PEST ALERT
Serving Counties: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton
Date: August 8, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 13
Disease Spotlight: Fusarium Wilt
Cause: Soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum
Crops Affected: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons
Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, brown vascular tissue
Management: Resistant varieties, crop rotation, soil health, sanitation, biological controls, solarization, and avoiding overwatering.
Fall Tree & Shrub Planting Tips
Why Fall is Ideal: Cooler temps, more rain, and still-warm soil encourage root growth.
Key Practice: Root washing helps correct root deformities in container plants.
Tips: Dig wide (not deep), use native soil, water wisely, mulch properly, stake only if necessary.
Codling Moth Management
Timing: 2nd generation egg hatch in most areas has begun or passed. Continue protection through Sept. 15.
Spray Schedules: Vary by location and fruit damage history (see region-specific table on page 5).
Product Guidance:
Conventional options: Spectracide, Sevin, Malathion, Bonide, etc.
Organic options: Neem oil, Cyd-X, Spinosad, pyrethrin products.
Choose different products for each generation to prevent resistance.
Fireblight Control
When: Monitor symptoms ~2 weeks after full bloom; prune infected wood during dry weather.
Chemical Controls: Copper, lime sulfur, oxytetracycline, Actigard, etc.
Biological Controls: Include Streptomycin, Blossom Protect, Serenade Optimum, Regalia, and others.
Pruning Reminder: Always disinfect tools between cuts.
Upcoming Events
IDAHO HOME GARDEN TIPS:
Aug 12: Deer Proofing Your Yard – Sara Mahdavi @ 7 PM
Aug 19: Late Season Flowers – Andy West @ 7 PM
Aug 26: Dehydrating Your Harvest
Sept 9: Understanding Manures
Sept 23: Freeze Drying Your Harvest
PLANT TALK Q&A:
Ron Patterson & Reed Findlay – Aug 12 & Aug 19 @ 7:30 PM
Contact Info:
University of Idaho Extension – Bonneville County
» AUGUST 8, 2025| VOL. 6 ISS. 13
Position Announcement: Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station
All Crops All Locations
Foundation Seed Director
Posted on: August 12, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
We have a new position posted for the Foundation Seed Director and invite applicants to http://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/hr/postings/49200 for more information.
Title: Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station
Department: Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station
Posting Number: SP004976P
Open until filled with a first consideration of 9/14.
Reminder - Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day - August 20
Potato All Locations
Posted on: August 12, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Come to the Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day on Wednesday, August 20. Registration begins at 8:30 with the field tour going from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Three ISDA pesticide recertification credits and three CCA IPM credits are available.
The cost to attend is $20 and lunch will be provided.
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
Reminder: Parma Field Day
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Posted on: August 11, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
2025 Field Day at Parma
More Lso-positive psyllids – 7 August 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 7, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 46 fields that we are monitoring; traps from some fields could not be retrieved due to pesticide spraying.
• We captured a total of 24 psyllids across 9 fields.
• Captures were from Elmore, Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls counties.
• Among the 25 psyllids captured last week, 10 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week were similar to last week and continue to track with the relatively low captures that we’ve seen over the last three years. However, with 10 more Lso-positive psyllid captures, we are seeing relatively high prevalence of Lso this year. Interestingly, most captures and all Lso-positive psyllids have been from the Magic Valley, with fewer captures in the Treasure Valley and none so far in the Upper Snake region. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
» https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
University of Idaho Field Days - August 14 and August 21
All Crops All Locations
General Announcement related to Agriculture
Posted on: August 5, 2025 by Kasia Duellman
Please mark your calendars for 2 upcoming University of Idaho Field Days:
August 14: Parma Field Day - Parma Research and Extension Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma Idaho
- Registration is FREE and begins at 7:15 AM, with FREE breakfast
- Tour begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 11:30 AM
- 1 ISDA credit, 2 ODA credits, 2 CCA/CCU IPM credits
- For more information, contact Dr. James Woodhall (jwoodhall@uidaho.edu) or Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis (afalconbrindis@uidaho.edu)
August 21: Aberdeen Potato IPM Field Day - Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, 1693 S 2700 W, Aberdeen Idaho
- Not just potatoes - topics also cover small grains, mustards, and more
- Registration is FREE and begins at 8:30 AM
- Tour begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at Noon, with a FREE box lunch
- 2 ISDA credits, and CCA/CCU credits will also be available
- For more information, contact Dr. Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)
Psyllid captures slightly lower than last week – 31 July 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 31, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 39 fields that we are monitoring; traps from several Treasure Valley fields will be picked up next week because of the Potato Association of America meeting this week.
• We captured a total of 25 psyllids across 8 fields.
• Captures were from Gooding and Twin Falls counties.
• Among the 38 psyllids captured last week, 4 tested positive for Lso; all positives were from the Magic Valley.
Psyllid captures this week were slightly lower than last week and similar to the moderately low captures we saw during this period in the last three seasons. Although we captured a few Lso-positive psyllids last week, the modest overall captures should mitigate ZC risk. We saw similar patterns last year (i.e., relatively low captures with several Lso detections in July to August) and ZC did not turn out to be a big problem.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Water Storage Options in Eastern Idaho
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 28, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
The seminar will feature a keynote address by Senator Cook (30th District), a forecast for the groundwater-surface water agreement, presentations on and drone footage of water storage alternatives, and an expert panel discussion on the alternatives presented to answer your questions. Alternatives to increase storage include: Teton Dam, Ashton Dam, Lane Lake, Jackson Dam, Minidoka Dam, and Mud Lake. This year’s gathering is co-hosted with the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council, with sponsorship from the Bingham Groundwater District and the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group.
Water Storage Options in Eastern Idaho
Date: Tuesday, August 19 from 8:30am–2:30pm (lunch provided)
Location: Romance Theater, 2 E Main St, Rexburg ID
We are currently investigating options for livestream, but cannot guarantee a live virtual format. Please prioritize in-person attendance.
RSVP required. Visit tinyurl.com/wateridaho. This will help us get an accurate estimate for lunch, catered by Blisters BBQ.
The agenda and meeting flyer are attached. Please circulate with those who might be interested. Please contact either Keith, Dean Mortimer, or Brad Buttars if your organization is interested in helping sponsor this important event.
Please don't hesitate to be in touch with questions. Hope to see you there!
Thank you,
Roger Warner, President
Keith Esplin, Executive Director
208.243.1824
Psyllid captures increase – 24 July 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 24, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 38 psyllids across 13 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Jerome, Gooding, and Twin Falls.
• Among the 13 psyllids captured last week, none tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week ticked up from last week and were slightly above what we have seen during this period in the last three seasons. This is not entirely surprising given the high temperatures, and captures are still not anywhere near our highest capture years. ZC risk still appears to be fairly low this year.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
UI Cereals Extension Variety Trials - the last week
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 21, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
Please see the attached PDF for the directions / addresses to the last two field days for the UI Cereals Extension Program.
Soda Spring tomorrow (Tuesday July 22) starting at 10 AM at the winter trials, and then the spring trials.
For the Wednesday Field Day (July 23) , it will be at the Tetonia R&E Center on station, starting at 10 AM.
Cheers!
Juliet
» DIrections to Soda Springs and Tetonia trial locations
Psyllid captures still low; one Lso-positive psyllid from last week – 17 July 2025 update
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 17, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 48 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 13 psyllids across 5 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Jerome, Gooding, and Twin Falls.
• Among the 9 psyllids captured last week, 1 tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures this week were similar to the relatively low captures during this period in the last 2-3 seasons. With relatively low psyllid captures and only two Lso-positive psyllids detected so far, ZC risk appears to be relatively low this year. That could change as the season progresses and temperatures rise, so stay tuned.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
UI Extension Cereal Variety Trial Field Days
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Posted on: July 17, 2025 by Juliet Marshall
Join us tomorrow w for the Idaho Falls field day to look at the spring wheat and barley variety trials. About one half mile north of
2550 S 45th W
Idaho Falls ID 83402
On the west side of the road.
Next week, we will be in Soda Springs, starting 10 AM at the winter dryland trials then to the spring trials on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday morning, we will be at the Tetonia R&E Center, again starting at 10 AM.
Hope you can join us!
» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho
» UI EVT - Cereals Field Days with locations
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert - July 11, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 9
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Posted on: July 16, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert - July 11, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 9
Coverage: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton Counties
Prepared by: University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County
Editor: Ron Patterson
Featured Pest Alerts
Blister Mites (Phytoptus pyri, Eriophyes mali)
Host Crops: Apples, Pears
Symptoms: Brown, blister-like galls on upper leaf surfaces; stunted growth and early leaf drop in heavy infestations
IPM Tips:
- Apply dormant oil sprays in late winter
- Monitor with a hand lens during early spring bud break
- Use sulfur dust or miticides post-bloom as needed
- Encourage predatory mites and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides
Pollinator & Predator Spotlight – Painted Lady Beetle (Mulsantina picta)
Benefits: Natural predator of aphids, mites, and soft-bodied pests
Habitat: Conifers, meadows, and gardens
Conservation Tips:
- Include native flowering plants and conifers
- Leave mulch, bark, and leaf litter undisturbed for overwintering
- Refrain from using broad-spectrum pesticides
Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
Current Stage: First and second generation overlap ongoing
Spray Guidance:
- High-pressure sites: Follow Option A (insecticide) or Option B (oil + insecticide) and repeat every 14–18 days
- Low-pressure sites: Begin at first egg hatch and adjust timing based on trap data
- Backyard Options: Use products like Spinosad, Malathion, or codling moth virus (Cyd-X) based on label rates
Note: See full tables (pgs. 6–7) for region-specific spray dates from Burley to Driggs
Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora)
Symptoms: Blackened shoots resembling fire scorch; visible two weeks post-bloom
Management Tips:
- Prune on dry days and disinfect tools between cuts
- Apply protectants or resistance inducers during bloom (e.g., Actigard, Regalia)
- Apply biologicals (e.g., Blossom Protect, Serenade) at bloom or post-bloom
Backyard Note: If no blooms are present, focus on sanitation and pruning
Webinars & Upcoming Events
- July 22 – Chip Bud Grafting Fruit Trees – Bracken Henderson (7:30 PM MT)
- July 24 – Plant Talk Q&A – Ron Patterson & Reed Findlay (7:30 PM MT)
- August 12 – Deer Proofing Your Yard – Sara Mahdavi (7:00 PM MT)
- August 26 – Dehydrating Your Harvest
- Sept 9 – Understanding Manures
- Sept 23 – Freeze Drying Your Harvest
Zoom Link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/92616335377
More Information: Check the Attached PDF
Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho Extension – Bonneville County
1542 E 73rd S, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 529-1390
bonneville@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/extension/county/bonneville
Facebook | Instagram
» Pest_Alert_July_11_2025_blister_mites_painted_lady_beetles.pdf
Psyllid captures still low; no new Lso-positives (July 10, 2025)
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 10, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from 47 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 9 psyllids spread across 8 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Jerome, Gooding, and Twin Falls.
• The 3 psyllids captured last week all tested negative for Lso.
• For psyllids captured this week, we expect to have results on Lso incidence next week.
Psyllid captures this week were lower than at this time last year, and more similar to the low captures we observed early in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. With relatively low psyllid captures so far and only one Lso-positive psyllid detected so far, ZC risk appears to be low this year. That could change as the season progresses and temperatures rise, so stay tuned.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Malheur Experiment Station Field Day – July 9
All Crops Treasure Valley Oregon
Posted on: July 7, 2025 by Russell Smith-Ollivierre
You're invited to the 2025 Field Day at the Malheur Experiment Station!
Date: Wednesday, July 9
Location: 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
Discover the latest agricultural research with field trials featuring onions, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and hemp. You'll also hear updates on the Drip Tape to Diesel Pyrolysis Project.
Schedule:
· 8:30 AM – Registration opens; enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts in the barn
· 12:00 PM – Hosted lunch provided
This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated to help plan lunch.
RSVP or for more information: Contact Jan Jones at (541)889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu
Amalgamated Sugar Research Field Day
Sugarbeets All Locations
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Jeff Miller
The Amalgamated Sugar Research Field Days will be Tuesday, July 8 in Nyssa at the ASC Research Site and Thursday, July 10 at the Hatch Research Farm just south of Declo.
Nyssa Field Day Features:
Rhizoctonia Control
Herbicide Drift Demonstrations
Weed zappers, new chemistries, and drones
Palmer amaranth ID and control
Declo Field Day Features:
Irrigation scheduling and sensors
Thermal drones and data collection
Comparison of fertility programs
Cover crops for sugarbeet
Pesticide credits will be available and a locally catered dinner will be provided along with a raffle and door prizes.
Also, the 3rd annual big beet contest will be held with separate entries for youth and adults.
2025 Potato psyllid monitoring program underway in Idaho
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
The University of Idaho and our crop consultant collaborators across the state are once again monitoring potato psyllids, zebra chip disease (ZC), and liberibacter (Lso), the bacterium associated with ZC. The monitoring program covers commercial potato fields throughout southern Idaho and is funded largely by the Idaho Potato Commission and generous in-kind contributions by our cooperators.
Our official monitoring season began with wide deployment of traps last week and will continue for at least 10 weeks. We have 48 fields across the state this year, using 4 sticky traps per field at all sites.
• This week we received traps from 46 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 3 psyllids, one from each of 3 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Jerome, and Twin Falls.
• Before the full monitoring program was underway, we also captured 2 psyllids from the Kimberly Research & Extension Center, one of which tested positive for Lso.
• For psyllids captured this week, we expect to have results on Lso incidence next week.
Psyllid captures this week were lower than at this time last year, and more similar to the low captures we observed early in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. It is not uncommon to see some Lso-positive psyllids early in the season and fewer as the season progresses. Given the low captures of psyllids so far, the single Lso-positive psyllid found does not necessarily represent high ZC risk for this season.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
» https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day - August 20, 9:00-12:00
Potato All Locations
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Miller Research will be holding its annual potato pest
management field day on Wednesday, August 20 and this year we will be
celebrating our 50th anniversary. The field day will begin at the
Miller Research field research at our main office at 422 E 200 N, Rupert (42.648994
N, 113.585612 W).
The cost to attend is $20 and payment can be made online through
PayPal or at the event. Contact Cheryn Suarez at cheryn@millerresearch.com or
(208) 312-4650 if you have questions.
The presentations will focus on chemical management of
diseases and will highlight research that has been funded by the Pacific Northwest
Potato Research Consortium. ISDA pesticide recertification credits and CCA Pest
Management credits have been requested for this meeting.
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:30 Soil health in potatoes (Year 7 of an ongoing
study, presentation in the shop)
9:30 – 10:00 In-furrow fungicides and seed treatments for
Rhizoctonia management
10:00 – 10:30 Variety susceptibility to powdery scab and
PMTV
10:30 – 11:00 Fungicide programs for foliar disease
management; PCC lime for disease control
11:00 – 11:30 Managing black dot on the foliage and tubers
11:30 – 12:00 Alternatives to metam fumigation for
Verticillium wilt control
Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
» 2025_MR_Field_Day_Announcement_ver_2.pdf
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert Summary June 20, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 6
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert
Posted on: June 27, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 20, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 6
Coverage: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton Counties
Prepared by: University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County
Editor: Ron Patterson
Featured Pest Alerts
Raspberry Crown Borer (Pennisetia marginata)
- Pest Type: Clear-winged moth
- Damage: Larvae bore into crowns/roots, causing cane wilt, stunting, and reduced yield.
- IPM Tips:
- Remove infested canes in late summer/fall
- Eliminate nearby wild brambles
- Encourage plant vigor through irrigation
- Nighttime insecticide sprays can help
Pollinator Spotlight – Golden-Haired Flower Longhorn Beetle
- Species: Lepturobosca chrysocoma
- Role: Beneficial pollinator and wood decomposer
- Habitat: Flowers in meadows and forest edges
- Conservation Tips:
- Plant native wildflowers
- Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides
- Leave some deadwood for larval habitat
Fire Blight in Apples and Pears
- Symptoms: Blackened shoots, “burned” look after bloom
- Management:
- Prune infected shoots on dry days
- Disinfect tools between cuts
- Apply copper or antibiotics before/after rain or dew
- Note: Only spray if blossoms are still open
Codling Moth – 1st & 2nd Generation Spray Timing
- Crops at Risk: Apples, pears
- Egg Hatch Periods:
- June 9–30: Burley, Preston
- June 12–July 3: Idaho Falls, Blackfoot
- July 2: Driggs (2nd gen)
- Backyard & Commercial Tips:
- Use insecticides or oils at night for best control
- Follow region-specific timing tables
- Rotate products between generations
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS
View full schedule in the attached PDF
More Information Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
1542 E 73rd S
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
» Pest_Alert_June_20_GoldenHaired_Flower_Longhorn_Beetle,_raspberry_crown_borer.pdf
Onion Thrips Activity Increasing in the Treasure Valley
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Posted on: June 18, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alert: Onion Thrips Activity Increasing in the Treasure Valley
Crop: Dry Bulb Onion
Pest: Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Region: Treasure Valley – Oregon and Idaho
Onion thrips populations are increasing across the region, with presence confirmed in over 97% of monitored onion fields. In many of those fields, more than 80% of plants are now infested. Fields with more mature, larger plants are showing particularly elevated activity. Smaller, early-stage fields (3-leaf stage or younger) remain largely unaffected, but this is expected to change as the season progresses.
Thrips Identification & Lifecycle
Adult onion thrips are tiny (1–1.3 mm), slender, pale yellow to brown insects with fringed wings. Immature stages (called larvae or nymphs) are wingless and lighter in color. Thrips thrive in hot, dry conditions and reproduce rapidly, often completing multiple generations per season. Eggs are laid within the leaf tissue, and nymphs feed on sap, developing through several instars before pupating in the soil or leaf axils.
What to Watch For
- Silvery streaks or flecking on leaves caused by feeding
- Black specks (excrement) near feeding sites
- Thrips concentrated in leaf folds, near the neck, or under tight canopies
- Reduced vigor or curling of young leaves
Thrips infestations can reduce onion yield by 20% or more. While no significant signs of Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) have been confirmed so far this season, continued vigilance is important, especially as thrips numbers build. IYSV lesions appear as oval to diamond-shaped chlorotic or necrotic spots on leaves, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and negatively affecting bulb storage.
Management Recommendations
Coverage is Key:
As canopy density increases, spray coverage becomes more challenging. Increase spray volumes to ensure deeper penetration into the neck and inner foliage, where thrips hide.
Insecticide Strategy:
- Systemic products (e.g., Movento) are effective by moving through plant tissues and targeting hidden feeding sites.
- Translaminar products (e.g., Radiant) enter the leaf surface and reach thrips feeding on the undersides or inside folds.
- Adjuvants: Use a penetrating adjuvant to enhance uptake and movement of active ingredients within plant tissue.
Cultural Practices:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote lush growth and higher thrips populations.
- Monitor weed presence, as weeds can serve as alternate thrips hosts.
- Early planting and maintaining strong plant vigor can help plants tolerate feeding pressure better.
Resistance Management:
Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to delay resistance development. Always follow label directions and recommended thresholds.
Scouting Tips
- Start scouting early and continue weekly, especially as plants reach the 5–7 leaf stage.
- Sample at least five plants from four separate areas of the field.
- Use hand lenses or beat plants over a white surface to count individuals.
- Focus on inner leaves and the base of the neck.
- Threshold: Begin treatments when thrips exceed 1–3 per leaf, depending on crop stage and environmental conditions.
Stay vigilant. Early and consistent management of onion thrips helps protect yield potential and reduce the risk of IYSV later in the season.
More management information here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-thrips
This alert was prepared by Russell Smith Ollivierre, Oregon State University Malheur County Extension, with data contributions from Stuart Reitz, Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-thrips
Strawberry Root Weevil Pupa
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Strawberry Root Weevil
Posted on: June 12, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Strawberry Root Weevil Alert – Be on the Lookout!
Found Strawberry Root Weevil pupae in Treasure Valley: The pupa of the strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus) is a transitional life stage between the larva and adult, typically found in the soil near the root zone of host plants. Here are the key characteristics:
Strawberry Root Weevil – Pupal Stage Characteristics:
- Color: Initially creamy white; may turn light tan as it matures.
- Shape: Soft-bodied, oblong, and slightly curved. The body is segmented and resembles the general adult form.
- Size: About 5–7 mm in length, depending on species and development stage.
- Visibility of adult features: The legs, antennae, and developing snout (rostrum) of the adult are visible but folded close to the body.
- Habitat: Pupates in an earthen cell or cavity in the soil, usually close to the roots of infested strawberry or other host plants.
- Duration: The Pupal stage generally lasts 2–3 weeks in spring (April–June), depending on temperature and soil conditions.
- Mobility: Pupae are non-feeding and immobile.
Since pupae are hidden in the soil, they are rarely observed unless the soil is carefully excavated near the crown and roots of the plant. Refer to the attached file for a visual reference of the Strawberry Root Weevil Pupa
Strawberry root weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.) are common pests in strawberry fields across the Pacific Northwest. While adult weevils cause minor notching on leaves, the real damage comes from their larvae feeding on roots through winter and spring, leading to stunted growth, reduced yields, or even plant death in severe cases.
What to Watch For:
- Notched leaves from adult feeding (visible in early summer)
- Wilting or stunted plants from root damage
- Adults hide under plant debris during the day or emerge at night
Now is the time to inspect your strawberry fields. Check for notched leaves, look under plant debris, or monitor at night for adult activity. Early detection is key to preventing egg-laying and larval root damage.
If you notice signs, consider control options including biological (entomopathogenic nematodes), cultural (soil cultivation), or chemical treatments applied at night for best results. More management information here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/strawberry/strawberry-root-weevil
Stay alert and protect your berries!
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/strawberry/strawberry-root-weevil
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 6, 2025 | Vol. 6, Issue 4
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 10, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 6, 2025 | Vol. 6, Issue 4
Coverage Areas: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties
CURRENT PEST AND DISEASE ISSUES
Fire Blight Alert
Fire blight risk levels are Exceptional to Extreme across most of Eastern Idaho through mid-June.
High-risk management strategies:
- Prune infected twigs and branches on dry days.
- Disinfect tools between each cut using alcohol, bleach solution, or disinfectant wipes.
- Apply antibiotics within 24 hours of a wetting event (rain or heavy dew) when blossoms are open.
- Biological control products (e.g., Blossom Protect, Double Nickel) are recommended for resistance management and organic systems.
Codling Moth Management
Egg hatch timing is highly variable due to unusual weather patterns this spring. Spray timing depends on prior fruit damage and production system.
Conventional Orchards:
- High damage history: Apply 2 sprays per generation (start with oil or insecticide).
- Low damage history: Fewer sprays needed, often just 1 per generation.
Organic Orchards:
- High damage history: 3 sprays per generation, spaced 7–10 days apart.
- Low damage history: 2 sprays per generation.
Backyard Trees:
- Treatment options include conventional (e.g., Triazicide, Sevin) and organic (e.g., Cyd-X, Neem oil, Spinosad) products. See page 7 for efficacy and timing.
Leafhoppers
- Leafhoppers feed on plant sap, causing stippling and potential fruit damage.
- Regular scouting is advised for sensitive crops like apples, pears, and grapes.
- IPM strategies include monitoring populations and protecting beneficial insects.
FRUIT PRODUCTION NOTES
Alternate Bearing in Apples
Many apple varieties alternate between heavy and light production years.
- In heavy crop years, thin fruits to reduce strain and encourage consistent yields next season.
- Thinning also improves fruit size and reduces limb breakage.
PESTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR FIRE BLIGHT
Refer to the full table on page 5 for:
- Antibiotic options (e.g., Oxytetracycline, Kasugamycin)
- Biological products (e.g., Serenade, BlightBan, Regalia)
- Copper-based sprays for pre-bloom or dormant application
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS - Check the PDF attached
View full schedule in the attached PDF or join online at:
» Pest_Alert_June_6_apple_wooly_aphid,_snake_fly.pdf
Beet Leafhopper Detected in Malheur County, Oregon
Sugarbeets Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus)
Posted on: June 9, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Beet Leafhopper Detected in Malheur County
Treasure Valley – Malheur County, Oregon
June 4, 2025
Pest Detected:
Beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus), the insect vectors responsible for transmitting both Beet Leafhopper-Transmitted Virescence Agent (BLTVA) and Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV), were detected in all 12 fields surveyed during recent monitoring in Malheur County. These pathogens can cause significant yield and quality losses in potatoes and sugar, two economically important crops in the Treasure Valley:
- Beet Leafhopper-Transmitted Virescence Agent (BLTVA) – causes purple top disease in potatoes
- Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) – affects sugar beets and other broadleaf crops
Identification:
- Adults: Small (3.4–3.7 mm), wedge-shaped, pale green to yellowish, quick to fly when disturbed
- Nymphs: Wingless, flattened, yellow-green with visible wing pads
- Often found on broadleaf weeds and crop foliage
Symptoms of Infection:
Potatoes (BLTVA – Purple Top):
- Upright, stunted plant growth
- Rolling or curling of upper leaves
- Purpling or reddening of leaves
- Aerial tuber formation
- Early vine death and reduced tuber yield/quality
Sugar Beets (BCTV):
- Yellowing and thickening of leaves
- Leaf curling and brittleness
- Stunted plants; potential wilting or death in severe infections
Symptoms are most severe when infection occurs early in the growing season.
Scouting & Monitoring:
- Use sweep nets or yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. It is important to deploy more than one trap per field and check them regularly. When the average catch rate approaches 40–100 per week, action may be warranted.
- Begin scouting early, particularly during warm, dry spring conditions
- Focus on field borders and areas with broadleaf weeds (e.g., kochia, mustards, Russian thistle) that serve as host plants
Management Recommendations:
Cultural Control:
- Eliminate broadleaf weeds and volunteer crops along field edges and irrigation canals to reduce overwintering and early-season host sites
- Avoid planting near known beet leafhopper overwintering zones when possible
- Plant approved curly top-resistant varieties rather than relying solely on adult insect control
- Maintain good field sanitation and monitor surrounding non-crop vegetation
Chemical Control:
- Use neonicotinoid seed treatments for early-season protection
- Choose insecticides with translaminar or systemic activity for improved efficacy
- Group 4A and 3A products have shown the highest efficacy
- Rotate insecticide groups to mitigate resistance development
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Combine cultural, chemical, and monitoring practices
- Track regional pest trends to support timely and informed intervention
Oregon State University
OSU Extension Service—Malheur County
710 SW 5th Avenue , Ontario, Oregon 97914
Tel:541-881-1417
Growing Degree Days Calculator
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Posted on: June 7, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
New Feature Alert: Celebrate World Pest Awareness Day with PNW Pest Alert!
In honor of World Pest Awareness Day (June 6), we’re thrilled to announce a powerful new tool now available on www.pnw.pestalert.net
We’re excited to launch a brand-new tool on www.pestalert.net
Our Growing Degree Day (GDD) Calculator is now LIVE – designed to help you track pest development stages and make informed management decisions tailored to your location and crops. Check it out now: https://pnwpestalert.net/gdd/
Pest Alert – Codling Moth Activity Increasing in Apples
Apple Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Codling Moth
Posted on: June 3, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Treasure Valley (Canyon County, Idaho)
June 2025
Moth captures confirmed from pheromone trap at local orchard (7 moths/trap/week)
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) adult flight is active in the Treasure Valley region, with degree day (GDD) accumulations reaching ~680 (Base 50°F) as of June 2, 2025. Trap monitoring has confirmed moderate to high pressure, with 7 moths captured per trap this week.
- Track daily GDDs to prepare for second-generation sprays (expected at 1000–1100 GDD).
- Continue weekly trap monitoring to refine timing.
This timing coincides with peak first-generation egg hatch. Immediate action is advised to prevent worm damage to apples.
- Egg hatch typically begins at 250 GDD
- Peak egg hatch occurs between 650–750 GDD
- Now, in the critical larval emergence window
Recommended IPM Management Actions: Spray Immediately to Control Larvae
Apply a larvicide now to target newly hatched larvae. Follow label instructions and re-treatment intervals. Reapply if moth captures remain above the threshold.
Cultural & Mechanical Controls
- Thin fruit clusters to reduce entry points (leave one fruit per cluster, space ~6" apart).
- Remove and destroy infested or fallen fruit weekly.
- Bag fruit at quarter-size after spraying (brown paper bags or nylon footies with kaolin clay pre-soak).
- Keep trap records: If weekly trap catch exceeds 5–10 moths per trap, additional sprays may be needed.
Resistance Management
- Rotate modes of action (IRAC group) each generation to avoid resistance.
- Limit broad-spectrum insecticides that can flare up mites and reduce beneficial insects.
There are different management options to consider when controlling this pest.There are different management options to consider when controlling this pest.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth
Option A: Starting at 200 DD, apply a mixture of water and horticultural oil at 1% concentration to smother egg infestation. Follow with the first application of insecticide at 350 DD. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.
Option B: Starting at 220-250 DD, apply insecticides that target newly hatched larvae. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.
The reference publication links to view insecticide options for commercial or residential sites.
This pest needs prevention all season long for clean fruit.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1879&context=extension_curall
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/
To report pest activity in your area: https://pnwpestalert.net/submitalert/
Summer 2025 Heat Wave Forecast: Be Prepared for Heat Stress in the Field!
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Heat Wave Forecast
Posted on: June 2, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
"Protect Yourself and Your Crew from Extreme Heat: Gear up and Stay Hydrated"
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center the 2025 summer forecast calls for 'overwhelmingly above normal' heat starting in June link: Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat related illnesses and what actions to take.
Environmental Health and Safety links:
Managing-heat-stress-with-faqs
CDC links:
HeatRisk | Tracking | NCEH | CDC
About Heat and Your Health | Heat Health | CDC
Heat-related Illnesses | Heat | CDC
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and pace yourselves.
More Information: Beth Brune
Operations Manager
University of Idaho | Kimberly R&E Center, Kimberly, ID 83341
Email: bbrune@uidaho.edu
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert MAY 30, 2025 VOL. 6 ISS. 3
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 1, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Coverage Areas: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties
CURRENT PEST AND DISEASE ISSUES
Fire Blight Alert
- Fire blight risk levels are Exceptional to Extreme across most regions in Eastern Idaho through mid-June.
- High-risk management includes:
- Pruning out infections on dry days.
- Disinfecting tools between cuts.
- Applying antibiotics within 24 hours of a wetting event when blossoms are open.
- Consider biological control products for resistance management.
- A full table of risk periods by location is provided, with tailored spray guidance.
Codling Moth Management
- Egg hatch timing is highly variable due to weather.
- Management recommendations differ based on past fruit damage levels and whether growers use conventional or organic approaches.
- Conventional:
- Two sprays per generation recommended for high damage history.
- Fewer sprays for low-damage history, starting with oil or insecticide.
- Organic:
- Three sprays spaced 7–10 days apart for high-damage history.
- Two sprays per generation for low-damage history.
- Backyard tree treatment options include both conventional and organic products.
Leafhoppers
- Feeding causes stippling on leaf surfaces and can damage fruit.
- Monitoring and management are advised, especially for sensitive crops.
FRUIT PRODUCTION NOTES
Alternate Bearing in Apples
- Many apple varieties exhibit alternate bearing with heavy crops every other year.
- Best management is to thin fruits in heavy years to balance future yields.
PESTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR FIRE BLIGHT
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS: Check the PDF attached
Let’s work together to protect both our crops and our ecosystem. Reach out to your local Extension office for help with insect ID and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored for your area https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties
More Information, Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
» Pest_Alert_May_30_2025_alternate_bearing_fruit,_leafhopper.pdf
Pest Alert: Found One Codling Moth in the Canyon County Apple Trees
Apple Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Apple Codling Moth
Posted on: May 28, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Codling moth is a key insect pest of apples and pears in Idaho. Left unmanaged, it can cause "wormy" fruit and significant crop loss.
Identification – Know the Signs & Symptoms
Stage | Identification |
Adult Moth | Grayish-brown, 1/2 inch long, with a coppery-brown band at wing tips. |
Egg | Tiny, flat, and translucent – laid singly on fruit or leaves. |
Larva | Creamy white to pink caterpillar with a dark brown head – this is the “worm.” |
Pupa | Formed in bark crevices or leaf litter in silken cocoons. |
Symptoms on Fruit:
- Small, dark entry holes ("sting") on the apple surface.
- Frass (sawdust-like excrement) near the hole.
- Tunnels inside the fruit leading to the core.
- Premature fruit drop in severe infestations.
Current Monitoring & Degree Days
- Biofix (first moth detected): Mid-May
- Current Degree Days (base 50°F): 206 DD as of May 18
- Egg hatch begins: 220–250 DD – NOW is the time for action!
Management Options
Option A: Early Prevention (Egg Smothering)
- When: At 200 DD
- Action: Apply horticultural oil (1% concentration) to suffocate eggs.
- Follow-Up: Insecticide at 350 DD.
Option B: Target Larvae
- When: 220–250 DD
- Action: Apply insecticides to kill newly hatched larvae before they burrow into fruit.
Insecticide Options: Refer https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth
Always read and follow the label directions for safety and effectiveness.
Non-Chemical Options
- Fruit Bagging: Bag individual fruitlets to block larvae entry.
- Sanitation: Remove dropped fruit and prune trees to reduce overwintering sites.
- Trapping: Use pheromone traps to monitor moth flights and guide sprays.
Season-Long Strategy: Codling moth has multiple generations per season. Continue monitoring traps and tracking degree days to time follow-up sprays or control measures.
Helpful Resources
https://climate.usu.edu/includes/pestFactSheets/Codling-Moth.pdf
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/
For more assistance, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties
Keep your fruit clean and healthy – act now!
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