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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!
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert – May 23, 2025 | Vol. 6, Iss. 2
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Eastrern Idaho Pest Alert
Posted on: May 23, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
As temperatures begin to rise across, many of us are starting to notice increased insect activity in our fields, gardens, and landscapes. It’s natural to feel the urge to reach for an insecticide at the first sign of bugs—but we encourage you to pause and take a closer look. Not all insects are harmful, and many play important roles in pollination, natural pest control, and maintaining ecological balance.
Spraying too early or without proper identification can unintentionally harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance of your growing environment. Whenever possible:
- Identify the insect first—Is it a pest, a predator, or a pollinator?
- Monitor populations—Are the numbers high enough to justify treatment?
- Consider non-chemical options, such as biological or cultural controls.
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
Stay informed, and spray smarter! Find more information in the attached newsletter -Temperature Watch: Recent warm days may be misleading—nighttime temps below 40°F can damage tender plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, and zinnias. Be ready to protect your plants!
Garden Tip – Hardening Off Transplants: Give new plants time to adjust outdoors.
Weed Alert – Quackgrass: Spreading aggressively by rhizomes and seeds, quackgrass is hard to control in lawns and flower beds.
Fire Blight Update: Cool temps have kept fire blight risk low, but risk will increase as temperatures rise and trees bloom. Monitor forecasts and prune infected tissue early.
Fire blight risk levels vary across locations—some areas entering High to Extreme Risk by late May.
Codling Moth Monitoring: Moths detected in warmer locations, but no spray timing yet for Eastern Idaho. Continue monitoring traps. Spray dates TBD.
Backyard Control Options Listed – Both conventional and organic sprays outlined for codling moth. Be sure to rotate products each generation. Full list available in the alert bulletin.
Upcoming UI Extension Events: Check the PDF attached
More Information, contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
Potato Growing Degree Days
Potato All Locations
Posted on: May 22, 2025 by Nora Olsen
Calculating growing degree days (GDD) or heat units is one method to look at the effect of temperature on the potato crop. Plant growth and development is greatly influenced by temperature, and we use GDD to get an idea of how the plant is developing throughout the season. It also gives a great perspective of how the current season compares to previous seasons.
To quantify this period of cold temperatures, we collated the cumulative GDDs for Parma, Kimberly and Shelley. The source of the GDD was AgriMet (www.usbr.gov/pn/agrimet/wxdata.html) weather stations located at the three sites. Daily GDD is calculated by adding the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature, dividing by 2 and subtracting a base temperature. The base temperature is used to define the temperature at which potato growth is diminished. The AgriMet calculation of GDD uses 50F as a minimum and 86F as a maximum. There are limitations to the use of these minimum and maximums since potatoes will grow outside of this range, but these calculations can still provide a reasonable prediction of the temperatures impacting potato growth.
To help provide a picture of the relationship between temperature and plant development, we will continue to update the GDD graphs weekly for the three locations and post at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/storage.
The graphs may look a little different this year than in the past. Click on the arrow near the top to toggle between the three growing locations. Also, use the dropdown menu to add or subtract the years you want to compare. The black line is 2025. The graphs will be updated weekly.
Pest Alert - Eastern Idaho
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Pest Alert Newsletter - Eastern Idaho
Posted on: May 12, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
As temperatures begin to rise across, many of us are starting to notice increased insect activity in our fields, gardens, and landscapes.
It’s natural to feel the urge to reach for an insecticide at the first sign of bugs—but we encourage you to pause and take a closer look. Not all insects are harmful, and many play important roles in pollination, natural pest control, and maintaining ecological balance.
Spraying too early or without proper identification can unintentionally harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance of your growing environment. Whenever possible:
Identify the insect first—Is it a pest, a predator, or a pollinator?
Monitor populations—Are the numbers high enough to justify treatment?
Consider non-chemical options, such as biological or cultural controls.
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
Stay informed, and spray smarter! Find more information in the attached newsletter
Treasure Valley Agricultural Advisory Meeting
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: April 30, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
CALLING ALL AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS & INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS
PLEASE JOIN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO EXTENSION, SOUTHERN DISTRICTS FOR THE 2025 AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY MEETINGS.
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND, BUT REGISTRATION WILL HELP US PLAN!
A WARM DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED. LET’S COME TOGETHER TO GROW AND BUILD IDAHO AGRICULTURE.
DATES AND LOCATIONS:
MONDAY, MAY 12TH - OWYHEE CO. EXT. OFFICE (238 8TH AVE W., MARSING)
TUESDAY, MAY 13TH - CANYON CO. EXT. OFFICE (501 MAIN ST., CALDWELL)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH - WASHINGTON CO. EXT. OFFICE (116 W. IDAHO ST., WEISER)
THURSDAY, MAY 15TH - GEM COUNTY - LOCATION TBD
TIME: 6:30 TO 8:00 PM
To register, click HERE: https://bit.ly/25AgAdvisory
For More information, Contact UI Extension, Canyon County at 208-459-6003 or canyon@uidaho.edu with questions.
Ag Talk Tuesdays for 2025 resume in May
All Crops All Locations
General Announcement related to Agriculture
Posted on: April 18, 2025 by Kasia Duellman
University of Idaho Extension once again presents our bi-monthly summer series, Ag Talk Tuesday.
These sessions are held live via Zoom, the first and third Tuesday of May, June, July and August every summer. Sessions start at 11:00 AM (MDT) and begin with crop updates, followed by a Featured Topic presented by an invited speaker.
Registration is required. Register only once and you will automatically be able to attend all sessions. The registration link can be found at the Ag Talk Tuesday website, https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk, and then by clicking on the gold bar that says "Select to register once for all sessions". The registration link is also provided below.
» https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk
» https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/kqdDHArFRTOKvtvx6v4nhg#/registration
2025 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: April 18, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Save the date - The 2025 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day will be August 20. See the attached page for more details. Info can also be found here:
https://millerresearch.com/
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
Cereal Leaf Beetle Found in Barley – New Plymouth, Payette County, Idaho
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Cereal Leaf Beetle
Posted on: April 17, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus) adults and eggs have been observed attacking winter barley in New Plymouth, Idaho. This pest, originally from Europe, is known to feed on small grain crops such as barley, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, and other grasses. While adults feed on leaves, the most significant damage is caused by larvae, which strip leaf tissue between veins and leave behind long, skeletonized strips that reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Early scouting is essential. Damage to the flag leaf—especially before or during head emergence—can result in significant yield loss. Growers are advised to monitor their fields closely and look for signs of pest activity, especially along field edges and historical hot spots.
Field signs include metallic-blue adult beetles with red thoraxes, yellowish larvae coated in black fecal material, skeletonized leaves (particularly the flag leaf), and small eggs laid singly on the upper surfaces of leaves.
Treatment thresholds are as follows: before the boot stage, control measures are recommended if 3 larvae per plant and/or 3 eggs per plant are observed. After the boot stage (when the flag leaf is visible), the threshold is If thresholds are exceeded, insecticide application may be warranted. Use selective insecticides when possible to protect beneficial natural enemies like Tetrastichus julis, a parasitic wasp that helps suppress CLB populations.
Growers should scout fields using sweep nets, hand lenses, and by visually inspecting plants. Record pest counts and note areas of concern for future management planning. If treatment is not necessary, documentation of pest presence can still inform long-term crop and input decisions.
More information, including identification images and management guidelines, is available through the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook:
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/agronomic/small-grain/small-grain-cereal-leaf-beetle
Pest Biology:
Overwintering: Adults shelter in field trash, tree bark, rolled leaves, and other protected areas.
Spring Activation: Adults become active when temperatures reach 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Egg Laying: Eggs are laid singly or in pairs on the upper surface of grass blades, often midway up the plant.
Larval Emergence: Eggs hatch in about 5 days. Larvae begin feeding immediately and pass through 4 instars before pupating.
Adult Emergence: New adults emerge, feed for ~2 weeks, then return to overwintering sites.
For assistance or questions, please contact your local University of Idaho Extension Educator or the University of Idaho IPM Team https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/people
» Cereal Leaf Beetle Eggs found in Barley - New Plymouth, Idaho
Pest Alert: Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program – 2025
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket
Posted on: March 11, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alert: Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program – 2025
As we approach the growing season, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) would like to remind agricultural producers about the Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program available for the 2025 year. This program offers assistance in controlling these pests in areas of high infestation, potentially reducing economic losses to crops and grazing land.
Key Program Details:
Federal Lands Not Treated: Please note that federal lands are not eligible for treatment under this program.
- Eligibility for Assistance: Agricultural producers must complete the request for assistance form available on the ISDA website. To qualify for treatment, infestations must meet the following thresholds:
- 8 grasshoppers or 3 Mormon crickets per square yard.
- Land must be 5 acres or more and used for agricultural purposes (such as grazing, haying, or crop production).
- Outbreak Areas: If a significant number of requests come from a common area, ISDA may declare an Outbreak. This designation could expedite treatment by waiving individual evaluations, allowing for faster distribution of bait or reimbursement. Evaluations may still occur in some cases, but treatments will begin without the need for a threshold to be met.
How to Receive Assistance:
- Bait Distribution: Producers receiving bait will be required to sign an ISDA Bait Distribution Record and take responsibility for its proper use and storage.
- Reimbursement: To be eligible for reimbursement, producers must:
- Submit a pre-approved quote for the proposed chemical.
- Provide maps of the land to be treated with labeled land use.
- Submit a completed W9 form and an invoice showing the chemical has been paid for in full.
For additional information, visit the ISDA Website: Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program.
For any questions, contact:
Jason Ansay
Ag. Program Specialist
Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Program Coordinator
Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture
Phone: 208-332-8556
We encourage all eligible agricultural producers to take action early to prevent economic losses caused by these pests.
2025 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar
Potato All Locations
Posted on: February 6, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Come to the Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 9:00 to 1:00 at the Wilson Theater in Rupert. The cost to attend is $35 and 3 ISDA and 3 CCA IPM credits are available. Lunch will be provided. After covering meeting costs, the remaining funds will be donated to the 4-H program. Contact Cheryn Suarez at cheryn@millerresearch.com if you have any questions.
More information can be found at the attached link.
PNW Pest Alert Annual Survey - 2024 Lucky Draw Winners
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Posted on: December 31, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024 Annual Survey! Your feedback is vital to helping us improve our resources and serve you better. We also want to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!
We’re excited to announce the winners of this year’s survey in two categories:
The Winners are
Agriculture: Crops & Small Farms
1. Paul Foote pfoote@amalsugar.com
2. Gary Harnar harnar@q.com
3. Udayakumar Sekaran udayakumar.sekaran@oregonstate.edu
Horticulture: Landscape & Gardens
The Winners are
1. Steve Cordell stevepcordell@gmail.com
2. 57woman@gmail.com
3. knpttrsn@gmail.com
Congratulations to our winners! We appreciate the time and care all participants took to share their insights, and we look forward to incorporating your suggestions to make PNWPestAlert.net even more valuable.
We also want to express our deep gratitude to our 2024 lucky draw sponsors, Snake River Sugarbeet Research and Seed Alliance, for their generous support.
Stay tuned for upcoming updates and resources, and thank you again for helping us shape the future of PNWPestAlert.net.
For more information or to share suggestions and feedback, please reach out to
JEMILA CHELLAPPA, Ph.D.
AREA EXTENSION EDUCATOR - CROPPING SYSTEMS
University of Idaho Extension, Southern District
208-459-6003 (office) | 605-690-7699 (mobile)
501 Main Street | Caldwell ID 83065 | United States
With gratitude,
The PNWPestAlert.net Team
Reminder! Take up Annual Survey 2024
All Crops All Locations
Survey Reminder
Posted on: November 22, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
Reminder!
Take the 2024 Pest Alert Network Annual Survey and Win
Crops and Small Farms Subscribers: https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6M7izVGWJ1pDGKy
Landscape and Gardens Subscribers:
https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7af2iQJTcXSVZMq
We’re inviting you to participate in the 2024 Pest Alert Network Annual Survey focused on pest management. Your valuable input will help us understand pest trends and control methods and improve the Pest Alert Network!
Why Participate?
• Share your experience in pest control & management
• Help improve our pest alert services
• 3 lucky participants will be randomly selected to win a $50 gift card as a token of appreciation!
Who Should Take the Survey: PNW Pest Alert Network Subscribers
Time: Only 5-8 minutes to complete
Thank you for making pest management more effective and sustainable.
Voles - Your Mortal Enemies!
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Voles
Posted on: November 13, 2024 by Jeff Miller
Jason Thomas, University of Idaho Extension Educator, is working to better understand the impact of vole damage on Idaho farms and gather insights on how farmers like you have been affected. This information is crucial for helping us advocate for resources and support to address this issue effectively.
Please complete the 5-minute survey by clicking the link below, calling the Minidoka County Extension office at 208-436-7184 to do so over the phone or if you prefer to fill out a physical survey please email jasont@uidaho.edu with your address so he can send one out to you.
Thank you in advance for your valuable input—it makes a big difference!
https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.
» https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KKoB4cTSn6p1Yy
TREASURE VALLEY PESTICIDE PRE-CERTIFICATION TRAINING
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: November 1, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
Prepare for Your Idaho Pesticide License Exam!
Join us in person on November 8 from 8:00 am to noon at the University of Idaho Research and Extension Center for a comprehensive training program designed to help you and your team get ready for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) pesticide exams.
Date/Time: Friday, November 8, 8:00am - Noon
Location: UI Caldwell R & E Classroom 1904 E. Chicago St., Caldwell
Register: Call UI Extension, Canyon County 208-459-6003
What is included:
- Education on Idaho State pesticide regulations
- Training on how to effectively read and interpret pesticide labels
- Review exam preparation strategies
- Exclusive access to online practice modules and exams!
Cost: $15.00 per participant https://bit.ly/24PesTraining
This training provides an interactive way to engage with study materials, gain critical knowledge, and benefit from examples and discussions that reinforce key concepts. There will be plenty of opportunities for review and Q&A.
Special Offer:
Get free access to our online course, which includes additional resources and practice exams to help you prepare at your own pace!
Questions? Contact
canyon@uidaho.edu / 208-459-6003
The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information, or status as any protected veteran or military status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodations need to contact University of Idaho Extension Canyon County one (1) week prior at 501 Main St., Caldwell, 208-459-6003 or canyon@uidaho.edu.
Pesticide Applicator Recertification Seminar
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: November 1, 2024 by Jeff Miller
The University of Idaho is hosting the Pesticide Applicator Recertification Seminar on December 4 in Burley (Burley Best Western) and on December 5 in Twin Falls (Herrett Center, CSI).
Morning session: registration begins at 7:45 and the program runs from 8:30 to 12:00 pm (3 credits).
Afternoon session: registration at 12:30 and the program runs from 1:00 to 4:30 pm (3 credits).
The cost to attend is $35 (cash, card, or check) whether you attend the whole or half day.
Contact Linsy at the Jerome Extension office (208-324-7578, lin...@uidaho.edu) to RSVP.
Topics include:
Management of Russian Olive
Managing vole infestations in agriculture
Pesticide safety: Best practices for applicators
Environmental impacts of pesticides
Impacts of pesticide overuse
Beneficial insects for pest management
Manure and weed seeds
Pasture and range plants that endanger livestock
ISDA pesticide applicator program updates
Top applicator violations in Idaho
Tricounty/Cassia County weed control programs
Increasing efficiency of applications and reducing overapplication
2024 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: October 11, 2024 by Jeff Miller
All are invited to the 2024 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection November 6-7 at the Herrett Center in Twin Falls! The cost to attend is $30 ($20 for students). Wed. credits = 2 ISDA, 4 CCA IPM. Thurs. credits = 2 ISDA, 3.5 CCA IPM. The agenda is attached and more information can be found at: https://millerresearch.com/event/2024-idaho-association-of-plant-protection/
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2024-idaho-association-of-plant-protection/
INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM (ICLS) FIELD DAY
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: September 17, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
| WHEN | Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. MDT |
|---|---|
| WHERE | McIntyre Farms 17708 Lewis Lane Caldwell, ID |
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED
Call the Canyon County Extension Office
at 208-459-6003 to secure your spot!
final report of the 2024 potato psyllid / Lso monitoring season.
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: September 12, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak
This is the
final report of the 2024 potato psyllid / Lso monitoring season.
One psyllid
from last week’s samples tested positive for Lso, the bacterium associated with
zebra chip disease (ZC).
About 4% of all
psyllids tested positive for Lso this year compared to about 6% last year and around
1% in most recent years (with the exception of 2022 in which 22% were positive).
It was another
interesting year with moderately high Lso incidence, but relatively low overall
psyllid captures. Captures were only slightly higher than last year. Thus, the
risk of ZC likely was mitigated somewhat by low psyllid captures despite
relatively high Lso.
Please remember
that our research with Russet Burbank shows that ZC can develop during storage
if infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill. Please maintain your
IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive
psyllids.
Thanks again to
all of our cooperators who helped to deploy and retrieve so very many yellow
sticky traps! And thanks to the growers who let us use their fields for this
work!
More information on management can be
found here:
Management: https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/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 and an archive of blog posts for this season: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Cowpea Aphid in Washington County, Idaho
Alfalfa Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Cowpea Aphids
Posted on: September 11, 2024 by Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis, Entomologist, Parma Research and Extension Center, Parma, University of Idaho
(09/09/2024)
The cowpea aphid was detected on alfalfa hay fields about 6 miles northwest of Weiser, Washington County. This is a dryland alfalfa field (drought tolerant), which could be a good incentive for these aphids. Farmers have never seen this pest in the area.
Numbers were within the limits of threshold levels (>100 aphids per plant) considering the size of the plants (20-25'' tall). The populations might explode if the warm conditions remain. I found many natural enemies (ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, big eye bugs, and more) attacking the aphids.
In some plants, ladybugs completely wiped out the cowpea aphids! So, watch out for the natural enemies.
IMPORTANT: as part of the decision-making process, consider the size of the plants, the number of aphids, the presence of natural enemies, and the harvesting date.
Attached is a picture of the cowpea aphid, and here are some links with more information about the management practices.
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/alfalfa/aphid-monitoring/#gsc.tab=0
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-in-alfalfa-5-531/
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hay-pasture/alfalfa/alfalfa-hay-aphid
Psyllid captures increase a bit; no new Lso positives
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: September 5, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from 52 of the 58 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 40 psyllids across 11 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Owyhee, Elmore, and Twin Falls.
• None of the psyllids collected last week tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures increased this week to their highest level overall this season; however, captures are still relatively low and similar to the season-long totals from last year. Thankfully, no new Lso-positive psyllids were collected last week. Although psyllid captures have been relatively low this season, Lso incidence was slightly higher than in most recent years, which may slightly elevate risk of ZC. Please maintain you IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
This is our last week of retrieving traps from the field and reporting on captures. Next week we will report on Lso testing results from the psyllids collected this week and wrap up the season.
Please maintain your IPM programs. More information on management can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids
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 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Psyllid captures still low; one new Lso positive
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 29, 2024 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 53 of the 58 fields that we are monitoring; 5 sites are finished for the season.
• We captured a total of 19 psyllids across 5 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, and Twin Falls.
• One of the psyllids collected last week tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures continue to be relatively low overall—slightly lower than last week and similar to the low captures we saw over the last two years at this time. We did find another Lso-positive psyllid last week so—despite the low captures—we are seeing some positives, which may slightly elevate the risk of ZC. A psyllid from a set of sticky traps that arrived late to us could not be tested, so we will have those results by next week. As we get into vine kill, remember that our research with Russet Burbank shows that ZC can develop during storage if infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill.
Please maintain your IPM programs. More information on management can be found here: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids
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 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
2024 ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: August 24, 2024 by Jeff Miller
From the ISDA website:
Homeowners, growers, dealers, and professional applicators storing unusable or unwanted pesticides will have a safe and free opportunity to dispose of them at an ISDA pesticide disposal site.
ISDA pesticide disposal sites will take most pesticides including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides or anything ending with “cide.” No high-pressure canisters, fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, motor oil, or rinsates other than seed treat rinsates will be accepted. Loads exceeding 1,000 pounds must be pre-registered.
- Idaho Falls / Bonneville County Transfer Station – August 27th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2455 Hemmert Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 - Twin Falls / Twin Falls County Highway District – August 28th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3208 E 3700 N, Twin Falls, ID 83301 - American Falls / Power County Transfer Station – Sept. 10th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2950 Landfill Rd, American Falls, ID 83211 - Burley / Bureau of Land Management Field Office – Sept. 11th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3630 Overland Rd, Burley, ID 83318
More information can be found at the ISDA website.
» https://agri.idaho.gov/pesticides/pesticide-disposal-program/
Psyllid captures still low; no new Lso-positives
All Crops All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 23, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak
·
This week we received traps from 57 of the 58
fields that we are monitoring
·
We captured a total of 30 psyllids across 14 fields.
Four of these psyllids were from traps that were in the field for two weeks.
·
Captures were from the following counties:
Payette, Canyon, Owyhee, Jerome, and Twin Falls.
·
None of the psyllids collected last week tested
positive for Lso.
Psyllid
captures ticked up relative to last week but were still relatively low compared
to recent years. Thankfully, we found zero Lso-positive psyllids last week. This
season’s low overall psyllid captures and moderate Lso incidence (in previous
weeks) suggests low to moderate risk for ZC. We still suggest maintaining your
IPM programs. Our research has shown that ZC can develop during storage if
infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill.
Please have your
IPM programs in place. More information on management can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids
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 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly
summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
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!
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert – May 23, 2025 | Vol. 6, Iss. 2
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Eastrern Idaho Pest Alert
Posted on: May 23, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
As temperatures begin to rise across, many of us are starting to notice increased insect activity in our fields, gardens, and landscapes. It’s natural to feel the urge to reach for an insecticide at the first sign of bugs—but we encourage you to pause and take a closer look. Not all insects are harmful, and many play important roles in pollination, natural pest control, and maintaining ecological balance.
Spraying too early or without proper identification can unintentionally harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance of your growing environment. Whenever possible:
- Identify the insect first—Is it a pest, a predator, or a pollinator?
- Monitor populations—Are the numbers high enough to justify treatment?
- Consider non-chemical options, such as biological or cultural controls.
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
Stay informed, and spray smarter! Find more information in the attached newsletter -Temperature Watch: Recent warm days may be misleading—nighttime temps below 40°F can damage tender plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, and zinnias. Be ready to protect your plants!
Garden Tip – Hardening Off Transplants: Give new plants time to adjust outdoors.
Weed Alert – Quackgrass: Spreading aggressively by rhizomes and seeds, quackgrass is hard to control in lawns and flower beds.
Fire Blight Update: Cool temps have kept fire blight risk low, but risk will increase as temperatures rise and trees bloom. Monitor forecasts and prune infected tissue early.
Fire blight risk levels vary across locations—some areas entering High to Extreme Risk by late May.
Codling Moth Monitoring: Moths detected in warmer locations, but no spray timing yet for Eastern Idaho. Continue monitoring traps. Spray dates TBD.
Backyard Control Options Listed – Both conventional and organic sprays outlined for codling moth. Be sure to rotate products each generation. Full list available in the alert bulletin.
Upcoming UI Extension Events: Check the PDF attached
More Information, contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
» Pest_Alert_May_23_2025_quackgrass_hardening_off.pdf
Potato Growing Degree Days
Potato All Locations
Posted on: May 22, 2025 by Nora Olsen
Calculating growing degree days (GDD) or heat units is one method to look at the effect of temperature on the potato crop. Plant growth and development is greatly influenced by temperature, and we use GDD to get an idea of how the plant is developing throughout the season. It also gives a great perspective of how the current season compares to previous seasons.
To quantify this period of cold temperatures, we collated the cumulative GDDs for Parma, Kimberly and Shelley. The source of the GDD was AgriMet (www.usbr.gov/pn/agrimet/wxdata.html) weather stations located at the three sites. Daily GDD is calculated by adding the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature, dividing by 2 and subtracting a base temperature. The base temperature is used to define the temperature at which potato growth is diminished. The AgriMet calculation of GDD uses 50F as a minimum and 86F as a maximum. There are limitations to the use of these minimum and maximums since potatoes will grow outside of this range, but these calculations can still provide a reasonable prediction of the temperatures impacting potato growth.
To help provide a picture of the relationship between temperature and plant development, we will continue to update the GDD graphs weekly for the three locations and post at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/storage.
The graphs may look a little different this year than in the past. Click on the arrow near the top to toggle between the three growing locations. Also, use the dropdown menu to add or subtract the years you want to compare. The black line is 2025. The graphs will be updated weekly.
Pest Alert - Eastern Idaho
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Pest Alert Newsletter - Eastern Idaho
Posted on: May 12, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
As temperatures begin to rise across, many of us are starting to notice increased insect activity in our fields, gardens, and landscapes.
It’s natural to feel the urge to reach for an insecticide at the first sign of bugs—but we encourage you to pause and take a closer look. Not all insects are harmful, and many play important roles in pollination, natural pest control, and maintaining ecological balance.
Spraying too early or without proper identification can unintentionally harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance of your growing environment. Whenever possible:
Identify the insect first—Is it a pest, a predator, or a pollinator?
Monitor populations—Are the numbers high enough to justify treatment?
Consider non-chemical options, such as biological or cultural controls.
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
Stay informed, and spray smarter! Find more information in the attached newsletter
Treasure Valley Agricultural Advisory Meeting
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: April 30, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
CALLING ALL AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS & INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS
PLEASE JOIN THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO EXTENSION, SOUTHERN DISTRICTS FOR THE 2025 AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY MEETINGS.
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND, BUT REGISTRATION WILL HELP US PLAN!
A WARM DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED. LET’S COME TOGETHER TO GROW AND BUILD IDAHO AGRICULTURE.
DATES AND LOCATIONS:
MONDAY, MAY 12TH - OWYHEE CO. EXT. OFFICE (238 8TH AVE W., MARSING)
TUESDAY, MAY 13TH - CANYON CO. EXT. OFFICE (501 MAIN ST., CALDWELL)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH - WASHINGTON CO. EXT. OFFICE (116 W. IDAHO ST., WEISER)
THURSDAY, MAY 15TH - GEM COUNTY - LOCATION TBD
TIME: 6:30 TO 8:00 PM
To register, click HERE: https://bit.ly/25AgAdvisory
For More information, Contact UI Extension, Canyon County at 208-459-6003 or canyon@uidaho.edu with questions.
Ag Talk Tuesdays for 2025 resume in May
All Crops All Locations
General Announcement related to Agriculture
Posted on: April 18, 2025 by Kasia Duellman
University of Idaho Extension once again presents our bi-monthly summer series, Ag Talk Tuesday.
These sessions are held live via Zoom, the first and third Tuesday of May, June, July and August every summer. Sessions start at 11:00 AM (MDT) and begin with crop updates, followed by a Featured Topic presented by an invited speaker.
Registration is required. Register only once and you will automatically be able to attend all sessions. The registration link can be found at the Ag Talk Tuesday website, https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk, and then by clicking on the gold bar that says "Select to register once for all sessions". The registration link is also provided below.
» https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk
» https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/kqdDHArFRTOKvtvx6v4nhg#/registration
2025 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: April 18, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Save the date - The 2025 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day will be August 20. See the attached page for more details. Info can also be found here:
https://millerresearch.com/
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
» 2025_MR_Field_Day_Announcement.pdf
Cereal Leaf Beetle Found in Barley – New Plymouth, Payette County, Idaho
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Cereal Leaf Beetle
Posted on: April 17, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus) adults and eggs have been observed attacking winter barley in New Plymouth, Idaho. This pest, originally from Europe, is known to feed on small grain crops such as barley, wheat, oats, corn, sorghum, and other grasses. While adults feed on leaves, the most significant damage is caused by larvae, which strip leaf tissue between veins and leave behind long, skeletonized strips that reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Early scouting is essential. Damage to the flag leaf—especially before or during head emergence—can result in significant yield loss. Growers are advised to monitor their fields closely and look for signs of pest activity, especially along field edges and historical hot spots.
Field signs include metallic-blue adult beetles with red thoraxes, yellowish larvae coated in black fecal material, skeletonized leaves (particularly the flag leaf), and small eggs laid singly on the upper surfaces of leaves.
Treatment thresholds are as follows: before the boot stage, control measures are recommended if 3 larvae per plant and/or 3 eggs per plant are observed. After the boot stage (when the flag leaf is visible), the threshold is If thresholds are exceeded, insecticide application may be warranted. Use selective insecticides when possible to protect beneficial natural enemies like Tetrastichus julis, a parasitic wasp that helps suppress CLB populations.
Growers should scout fields using sweep nets, hand lenses, and by visually inspecting plants. Record pest counts and note areas of concern for future management planning. If treatment is not necessary, documentation of pest presence can still inform long-term crop and input decisions.
More information, including identification images and management guidelines, is available through the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook:
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/agronomic/small-grain/small-grain-cereal-leaf-beetle
Pest Biology:
Overwintering: Adults shelter in field trash, tree bark, rolled leaves, and other protected areas.
Spring Activation: Adults become active when temperatures reach 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Egg Laying: Eggs are laid singly or in pairs on the upper surface of grass blades, often midway up the plant.
Larval Emergence: Eggs hatch in about 5 days. Larvae begin feeding immediately and pass through 4 instars before pupating.
Adult Emergence: New adults emerge, feed for ~2 weeks, then return to overwintering sites.
For assistance or questions, please contact your local University of Idaho Extension Educator or the University of Idaho IPM Team https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/people
» Cereal Leaf Beetle Eggs found in Barley - New Plymouth, Idaho
» Cereal Leaf Beetle found in Barley - New Plymouth, Idaho
Pest Alert: Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program – 2025
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket
Posted on: March 11, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alert: Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program – 2025
As we approach the growing season, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) would like to remind agricultural producers about the Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program available for the 2025 year. This program offers assistance in controlling these pests in areas of high infestation, potentially reducing economic losses to crops and grazing land.
Key Program Details:
Federal Lands Not Treated: Please note that federal lands are not eligible for treatment under this program.
- Eligibility for Assistance: Agricultural producers must complete the request for assistance form available on the ISDA website. To qualify for treatment, infestations must meet the following thresholds:
- 8 grasshoppers or 3 Mormon crickets per square yard.
- Land must be 5 acres or more and used for agricultural purposes (such as grazing, haying, or crop production).
- Outbreak Areas: If a significant number of requests come from a common area, ISDA may declare an Outbreak. This designation could expedite treatment by waiving individual evaluations, allowing for faster distribution of bait or reimbursement. Evaluations may still occur in some cases, but treatments will begin without the need for a threshold to be met.
How to Receive Assistance:
- Bait Distribution: Producers receiving bait will be required to sign an ISDA Bait Distribution Record and take responsibility for its proper use and storage.
- Reimbursement: To be eligible for reimbursement, producers must:
- Submit a pre-approved quote for the proposed chemical.
- Provide maps of the land to be treated with labeled land use.
- Submit a completed W9 form and an invoice showing the chemical has been paid for in full.
For additional information, visit the ISDA Website: Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control Program.
For any questions, contact:
Jason Ansay
Ag. Program Specialist
Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Program Coordinator
Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture
Phone: 208-332-8556
We encourage all eligible agricultural producers to take action early to prevent economic losses caused by these pests.
2025 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar
Potato All Locations
Posted on: February 6, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Come to the Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 9:00 to 1:00 at the Wilson Theater in Rupert. The cost to attend is $35 and 3 ISDA and 3 CCA IPM credits are available. Lunch will be provided. After covering meeting costs, the remaining funds will be donated to the 4-H program. Contact Cheryn Suarez at cheryn@millerresearch.com if you have any questions.
More information can be found at the attached link.
» https://millerresearch.com/.../2025-miller-research.../
» 2025_Seminar_Announcement.pdf
PNW Pest Alert Annual Survey - 2024 Lucky Draw Winners
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Posted on: December 31, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024 Annual Survey! Your feedback is vital to helping us improve our resources and serve you better. We also want to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!
We’re excited to announce the winners of this year’s survey in two categories:
The Winners are
Agriculture: Crops & Small Farms
1. Paul Foote pfoote@amalsugar.com
2. Gary Harnar harnar@q.com
3. Udayakumar Sekaran udayakumar.sekaran@oregonstate.edu
Horticulture: Landscape & Gardens
The Winners are
1. Steve Cordell stevepcordell@gmail.com
2. 57woman@gmail.com
3. knpttrsn@gmail.com
Congratulations to our winners! We appreciate the time and care all participants took to share their insights, and we look forward to incorporating your suggestions to make PNWPestAlert.net even more valuable.
We also want to express our deep gratitude to our 2024 lucky draw sponsors, Snake River Sugarbeet Research and Seed Alliance, for their generous support.
Stay tuned for upcoming updates and resources, and thank you again for helping us shape the future of PNWPestAlert.net.
For more information or to share suggestions and feedback, please reach out to
JEMILA CHELLAPPA, Ph.D.
AREA EXTENSION EDUCATOR - CROPPING SYSTEMS
University of Idaho Extension, Southern District
208-459-6003 (office) | 605-690-7699 (mobile)
501 Main Street | Caldwell ID 83065 | United States
With gratitude,
The PNWPestAlert.net Team
Reminder! Take up Annual Survey 2024
All Crops All Locations
Survey Reminder
Posted on: November 22, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
Reminder!
Take the 2024 Pest Alert Network Annual Survey and Win
Crops and Small Farms Subscribers: https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6M7izVGWJ1pDGKy
Landscape and Gardens Subscribers:
https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7af2iQJTcXSVZMq
We’re inviting you to participate in the 2024 Pest Alert Network Annual Survey focused on pest management. Your valuable input will help us understand pest trends and control methods and improve the Pest Alert Network!
Why Participate?
• Share your experience in pest control & management
• Help improve our pest alert services
• 3 lucky participants will be randomly selected to win a $50 gift card as a token of appreciation!
Who Should Take the Survey: PNW Pest Alert Network Subscribers
Time: Only 5-8 minutes to complete
Thank you for making pest management more effective and sustainable.
Voles - Your Mortal Enemies!
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho
Voles
Posted on: November 13, 2024 by Jeff Miller
Jason Thomas, University of Idaho Extension Educator, is working to better understand the impact of vole damage on Idaho farms and gather insights on how farmers like you have been affected. This information is crucial for helping us advocate for resources and support to address this issue effectively.
Please complete the 5-minute survey by clicking the link below, calling the Minidoka County Extension office at 208-436-7184 to do so over the phone or if you prefer to fill out a physical survey please email jasont@uidaho.edu with your address so he can send one out to you.
Thank you in advance for your valuable input—it makes a big difference!
https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.
» https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KKoB4cTSn6p1Yy
TREASURE VALLEY PESTICIDE PRE-CERTIFICATION TRAINING
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: November 1, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
Prepare for Your Idaho Pesticide License Exam!
Join us in person on November 8 from 8:00 am to noon at the University of Idaho Research and Extension Center for a comprehensive training program designed to help you and your team get ready for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) pesticide exams.
Date/Time: Friday, November 8, 8:00am - Noon
Location: UI Caldwell R & E Classroom 1904 E. Chicago St., Caldwell
Register: Call UI Extension, Canyon County 208-459-6003
What is included:
- Education on Idaho State pesticide regulations
- Training on how to effectively read and interpret pesticide labels
- Review exam preparation strategies
- Exclusive access to online practice modules and exams!
Cost: $15.00 per participant https://bit.ly/24PesTraining
This training provides an interactive way to engage with study materials, gain critical knowledge, and benefit from examples and discussions that reinforce key concepts. There will be plenty of opportunities for review and Q&A.
Special Offer:
Get free access to our online course, which includes additional resources and practice exams to help you prepare at your own pace!
Questions? Contact
canyon@uidaho.edu / 208-459-6003
The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information, or status as any protected veteran or military status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodations need to contact University of Idaho Extension Canyon County one (1) week prior at 501 Main St., Caldwell, 208-459-6003 or canyon@uidaho.edu.
Pesticide Applicator Recertification Seminar
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: November 1, 2024 by Jeff Miller
The University of Idaho is hosting the Pesticide Applicator Recertification Seminar on December 4 in Burley (Burley Best Western) and on December 5 in Twin Falls (Herrett Center, CSI).
Morning session: registration begins at 7:45 and the program runs from 8:30 to 12:00 pm (3 credits).
Afternoon session: registration at 12:30 and the program runs from 1:00 to 4:30 pm (3 credits).
The cost to attend is $35 (cash, card, or check) whether you attend the whole or half day.
Contact Linsy at the Jerome Extension office (208-324-7578, lin...@uidaho.edu) to RSVP.
Topics include:
Management of Russian Olive
Managing vole infestations in agriculture
Pesticide safety: Best practices for applicators
Environmental impacts of pesticides
Impacts of pesticide overuse
Beneficial insects for pest management
Manure and weed seeds
Pasture and range plants that endanger livestock
ISDA pesticide applicator program updates
Top applicator violations in Idaho
Tricounty/Cassia County weed control programs
Increasing efficiency of applications and reducing overapplication
2024 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: October 11, 2024 by Jeff Miller
All are invited to the 2024 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection November 6-7 at the Herrett Center in Twin Falls! The cost to attend is $30 ($20 for students). Wed. credits = 2 ISDA, 4 CCA IPM. Thurs. credits = 2 ISDA, 3.5 CCA IPM. The agenda is attached and more information can be found at: https://millerresearch.com/event/2024-idaho-association-of-plant-protection/
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2024-idaho-association-of-plant-protection/
INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM (ICLS) FIELD DAY
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: September 17, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa
| WHEN | Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. MDT |
|---|---|
| WHERE | McIntyre Farms 17708 Lewis Lane Caldwell, ID |
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED
Call the Canyon County Extension Office
at 208-459-6003 to secure your spot!
final report of the 2024 potato psyllid / Lso monitoring season.
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: September 12, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak
This is the
final report of the 2024 potato psyllid / Lso monitoring season.
One psyllid
from last week’s samples tested positive for Lso, the bacterium associated with
zebra chip disease (ZC).
About 4% of all
psyllids tested positive for Lso this year compared to about 6% last year and around
1% in most recent years (with the exception of 2022 in which 22% were positive).
It was another
interesting year with moderately high Lso incidence, but relatively low overall
psyllid captures. Captures were only slightly higher than last year. Thus, the
risk of ZC likely was mitigated somewhat by low psyllid captures despite
relatively high Lso.
Please remember
that our research with Russet Burbank shows that ZC can develop during storage
if infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill. Please maintain your
IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive
psyllids.
Thanks again to
all of our cooperators who helped to deploy and retrieve so very many yellow
sticky traps! And thanks to the growers who let us use their fields for this
work!
More information on management can be
found here:
Management: https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/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 and an archive of blog posts for this season: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Cowpea Aphid in Washington County, Idaho
Alfalfa Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho
Cowpea Aphids
Posted on: September 11, 2024 by Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis, Entomologist, Parma Research and Extension Center, Parma, University of Idaho
(09/09/2024)
The cowpea aphid was detected on alfalfa hay fields about 6 miles northwest of Weiser, Washington County. This is a dryland alfalfa field (drought tolerant), which could be a good incentive for these aphids. Farmers have never seen this pest in the area.
Numbers were within the limits of threshold levels (>100 aphids per plant) considering the size of the plants (20-25'' tall). The populations might explode if the warm conditions remain. I found many natural enemies (ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, big eye bugs, and more) attacking the aphids.
In some plants, ladybugs completely wiped out the cowpea aphids! So, watch out for the natural enemies.
IMPORTANT: as part of the decision-making process, consider the size of the plants, the number of aphids, the presence of natural enemies, and the harvesting date.
Attached is a picture of the cowpea aphid, and here are some links with more information about the management practices.
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/alfalfa/aphid-monitoring/#gsc.tab=0
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-in-alfalfa-5-531/
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hay-pasture/alfalfa/alfalfa-hay-aphid
Psyllid captures increase a bit; no new Lso positives
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: September 5, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak
• This week we received traps from 52 of the 58 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 40 psyllids across 11 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Owyhee, Elmore, and Twin Falls.
• None of the psyllids collected last week tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures increased this week to their highest level overall this season; however, captures are still relatively low and similar to the season-long totals from last year. Thankfully, no new Lso-positive psyllids were collected last week. Although psyllid captures have been relatively low this season, Lso incidence was slightly higher than in most recent years, which may slightly elevate risk of ZC. Please maintain you IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.
This is our last week of retrieving traps from the field and reporting on captures. Next week we will report on Lso testing results from the psyllids collected this week and wrap up the season.
Please maintain your IPM programs. More information on management can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids
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 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
Psyllid captures still low; one new Lso positive
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 29, 2024 by Erik Wenninger
• This week we received traps from 53 of the 58 fields that we are monitoring; 5 sites are finished for the season.
• We captured a total of 19 psyllids across 5 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Canyon, and Twin Falls.
• One of the psyllids collected last week tested positive for Lso.
Psyllid captures continue to be relatively low overall—slightly lower than last week and similar to the low captures we saw over the last two years at this time. We did find another Lso-positive psyllid last week so—despite the low captures—we are seeing some positives, which may slightly elevate the risk of ZC. A psyllid from a set of sticky traps that arrived late to us could not be tested, so we will have those results by next week. As we get into vine kill, remember that our research with Russet Burbank shows that ZC can develop during storage if infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill.
Please maintain your IPM programs. More information on management can be found here: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids
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 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
2024 ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: August 24, 2024 by Jeff Miller
From the ISDA website:
Homeowners, growers, dealers, and professional applicators storing unusable or unwanted pesticides will have a safe and free opportunity to dispose of them at an ISDA pesticide disposal site.
ISDA pesticide disposal sites will take most pesticides including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides or anything ending with “cide.” No high-pressure canisters, fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, motor oil, or rinsates other than seed treat rinsates will be accepted. Loads exceeding 1,000 pounds must be pre-registered.
- Idaho Falls / Bonneville County Transfer Station – August 27th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2455 Hemmert Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 - Twin Falls / Twin Falls County Highway District – August 28th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3208 E 3700 N, Twin Falls, ID 83301 - American Falls / Power County Transfer Station – Sept. 10th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2950 Landfill Rd, American Falls, ID 83211 - Burley / Bureau of Land Management Field Office – Sept. 11th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3630 Overland Rd, Burley, ID 83318
More information can be found at the ISDA website.
» https://agri.idaho.gov/pesticides/pesticide-disposal-program/
Psyllid captures still low; no new Lso-positives
All Crops All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: August 23, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak
·
This week we received traps from 57 of the 58
fields that we are monitoring
·
We captured a total of 30 psyllids across 14 fields.
Four of these psyllids were from traps that were in the field for two weeks.
·
Captures were from the following counties:
Payette, Canyon, Owyhee, Jerome, and Twin Falls.
·
None of the psyllids collected last week tested
positive for Lso.
Psyllid
captures ticked up relative to last week but were still relatively low compared
to recent years. Thankfully, we found zero Lso-positive psyllids last week. This
season’s low overall psyllid captures and moderate Lso incidence (in previous
weeks) suggests low to moderate risk for ZC. We still suggest maintaining your
IPM programs. Our research has shown that ZC can develop during storage if
infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill.
Please have your
IPM programs in place. More information on management can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids
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 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly
summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
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