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Malheur Experiment Station Field Day – July 9
All Crops Treasure Valley Oregon
Posted on: July 7, 2025 by Russell Smith-Ollivierre
You're invited to the 2025 Field Day at the Malheur Experiment Station!
Date: Wednesday, July 9
Location: 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
Discover the latest agricultural research with field trials featuring onions, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and hemp. You'll also hear updates on the Drip Tape to Diesel Pyrolysis Project.
Schedule:
· 8:30 AM – Registration opens; enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts in the barn
· 12:00 PM – Hosted lunch provided
This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated to help plan lunch.
RSVP or for more information: Contact Jan Jones at (541)889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu
Amalgamated Sugar Research Field Day
Sugarbeets All Locations
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Jeff Miller
The Amalgamated Sugar Research Field Days will be Tuesday, July 8 in Nyssa at the ASC Research Site and Thursday, July 10 at the Hatch Research Farm just south of Declo.
Nyssa Field Day Features:
Rhizoctonia Control
Herbicide Drift Demonstrations
Weed zappers, new chemistries, and drones
Palmer amaranth ID and control
Declo Field Day Features:
Irrigation scheduling and sensors
Thermal drones and data collection
Comparison of fertility programs
Cover crops for sugarbeet
Pesticide credits will be available and a locally catered dinner will be provided along with a raffle and door prizes.
Also, the 3rd annual big beet contest will be held with separate entries for youth and adults.
2025 Potato psyllid monitoring program underway in Idaho
Potato All Locations
potato psyllid
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Erik Wenninger
The University of Idaho and our crop consultant collaborators across the state are once again monitoring potato psyllids, zebra chip disease (ZC), and liberibacter (Lso), the bacterium associated with ZC. The monitoring program covers commercial potato fields throughout southern Idaho and is funded largely by the Idaho Potato Commission and generous in-kind contributions by our cooperators.
Our official monitoring season began with wide deployment of traps last week and will continue for at least 10 weeks. We have 48 fields across the state this year, using 4 sticky traps per field at all sites.
• This week we received traps from 46 fields that we are monitoring.
• We captured a total of 3 psyllids, one from each of 3 fields.
• Captures were from the following counties: Payette, Jerome, and Twin Falls.
• Before the full monitoring program was underway, we also captured 2 psyllids from the Kimberly Research & Extension Center, one of which tested positive for Lso.
• For psyllids captured this week, we expect to have results on Lso incidence next week.
Psyllid captures this week were lower than at this time last year, and more similar to the low captures we observed early in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. It is not uncommon to see some Lso-positive psyllids early in the season and fewer as the season progresses. Given the low captures of psyllids so far, the single Lso-positive psyllid found does not necessarily represent high ZC risk for this season.
More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here:
https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid
Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/
» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management
Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day - August 20, 9:00-12:00
Potato All Locations
Posted on: July 3, 2025 by Jeff Miller
Miller Research will be holding its annual potato pest
management field day on Wednesday, August 20 and this year we will be
celebrating our 50th anniversary. The field day will begin at the
Miller Research field research at our main office at 422 E 200 N, Rupert (42.648994
N, 113.585612 W).
The cost to attend is $20 and payment can be made online through
PayPal or at the event. Contact Cheryn Suarez at cheryn@millerresearch.com or
(208) 312-4650 if you have questions.
The presentations will focus on chemical management of
diseases and will highlight research that has been funded by the Pacific Northwest
Potato Research Consortium. ISDA pesticide recertification credits and CCA Pest
Management credits have been requested for this meeting.
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:30 Soil health in potatoes (Year 7 of an ongoing
study, presentation in the shop)
9:30 – 10:00 In-furrow fungicides and seed treatments for
Rhizoctonia management
10:00 – 10:30 Variety susceptibility to powdery scab and
PMTV
10:30 – 11:00 Fungicide programs for foliar disease
management; PCC lime for disease control
11:00 – 11:30 Managing black dot on the foliage and tubers
11:30 – 12:00 Alternatives to metam fumigation for
Verticillium wilt control
Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.
» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert Summary June 20, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 6
All Crops Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert
Posted on: June 27, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 20, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 6
Coverage: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton Counties
Prepared by: University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County
Editor: Ron Patterson
Featured Pest Alerts
Raspberry Crown Borer (Pennisetia marginata)
- Pest Type: Clear-winged moth
- Damage: Larvae bore into crowns/roots, causing cane wilt, stunting, and reduced yield.
- IPM Tips:
- Remove infested canes in late summer/fall
- Eliminate nearby wild brambles
- Encourage plant vigor through irrigation
- Nighttime insecticide sprays can help
Pollinator Spotlight – Golden-Haired Flower Longhorn Beetle
- Species: Lepturobosca chrysocoma
- Role: Beneficial pollinator and wood decomposer
- Habitat: Flowers in meadows and forest edges
- Conservation Tips:
- Plant native wildflowers
- Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides
- Leave some deadwood for larval habitat
Fire Blight in Apples and Pears
- Symptoms: Blackened shoots, “burned” look after bloom
- Management:
- Prune infected shoots on dry days
- Disinfect tools between cuts
- Apply copper or antibiotics before/after rain or dew
- Note: Only spray if blossoms are still open
Codling Moth – 1st & 2nd Generation Spray Timing
- Crops at Risk: Apples, pears
- Egg Hatch Periods:
- June 9–30: Burley, Preston
- June 12–July 3: Idaho Falls, Blackfoot
- July 2: Driggs (2nd gen)
- Backyard & Commercial Tips:
- Use insecticides or oils at night for best control
- Follow region-specific timing tables
- Rotate products between generations
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS
View full schedule in the attached PDF
More Information Contact:
Lena Allen
Horticulture Secretary
University of Idaho
Bonneville County Extension
208.529.1390
1542 E 73rd S
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
» Pest_Alert_June_20_GoldenHaired_Flower_Longhorn_Beetle,_raspberry_crown_borer.pdf
Onion Thrips Activity Increasing in the Treasure Valley
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Posted on: June 18, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Pest Alert: Onion Thrips Activity Increasing in the Treasure Valley
Crop: Dry Bulb Onion
Pest: Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
Region: Treasure Valley – Oregon and Idaho
Onion thrips populations are increasing across the region, with presence confirmed in over 97% of monitored onion fields. In many of those fields, more than 80% of plants are now infested. Fields with more mature, larger plants are showing particularly elevated activity. Smaller, early-stage fields (3-leaf stage or younger) remain largely unaffected, but this is expected to change as the season progresses.
Thrips Identification & Lifecycle
Adult onion thrips are tiny (1–1.3 mm), slender, pale yellow to brown insects with fringed wings. Immature stages (called larvae or nymphs) are wingless and lighter in color. Thrips thrive in hot, dry conditions and reproduce rapidly, often completing multiple generations per season. Eggs are laid within the leaf tissue, and nymphs feed on sap, developing through several instars before pupating in the soil or leaf axils.
What to Watch For
- Silvery streaks or flecking on leaves caused by feeding
- Black specks (excrement) near feeding sites
- Thrips concentrated in leaf folds, near the neck, or under tight canopies
- Reduced vigor or curling of young leaves
Thrips infestations can reduce onion yield by 20% or more. While no significant signs of Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) have been confirmed so far this season, continued vigilance is important, especially as thrips numbers build. IYSV lesions appear as oval to diamond-shaped chlorotic or necrotic spots on leaves, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and negatively affecting bulb storage.
Management Recommendations
Coverage is Key:
As canopy density increases, spray coverage becomes more challenging. Increase spray volumes to ensure deeper penetration into the neck and inner foliage, where thrips hide.
Insecticide Strategy:
- Systemic products (e.g., Movento) are effective by moving through plant tissues and targeting hidden feeding sites.
- Translaminar products (e.g., Radiant) enter the leaf surface and reach thrips feeding on the undersides or inside folds.
- Adjuvants: Use a penetrating adjuvant to enhance uptake and movement of active ingredients within plant tissue.
Cultural Practices:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote lush growth and higher thrips populations.
- Monitor weed presence, as weeds can serve as alternate thrips hosts.
- Early planting and maintaining strong plant vigor can help plants tolerate feeding pressure better.
Resistance Management:
Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to delay resistance development. Always follow label directions and recommended thresholds.
Scouting Tips
- Start scouting early and continue weekly, especially as plants reach the 5–7 leaf stage.
- Sample at least five plants from four separate areas of the field.
- Use hand lenses or beat plants over a white surface to count individuals.
- Focus on inner leaves and the base of the neck.
- Threshold: Begin treatments when thrips exceed 1–3 per leaf, depending on crop stage and environmental conditions.
Stay vigilant. Early and consistent management of onion thrips helps protect yield potential and reduce the risk of IYSV later in the season.
More management information here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-thrips
This alert was prepared by Russell Smith Ollivierre, Oregon State University Malheur County Extension, with data contributions from Stuart Reitz, Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-thrips
Strawberry Root Weevil Pupa
All Crops Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Strawberry Root Weevil
Posted on: June 12, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Strawberry Root Weevil Alert – Be on the Lookout!
Found Strawberry Root Weevil pupae in Treasure Valley: The pupa of the strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus) is a transitional life stage between the larva and adult, typically found in the soil near the root zone of host plants. Here are the key characteristics:
Strawberry Root Weevil – Pupal Stage Characteristics:
- Color: Initially creamy white; may turn light tan as it matures.
- Shape: Soft-bodied, oblong, and slightly curved. The body is segmented and resembles the general adult form.
- Size: About 5–7 mm in length, depending on species and development stage.
- Visibility of adult features: The legs, antennae, and developing snout (rostrum) of the adult are visible but folded close to the body.
- Habitat: Pupates in an earthen cell or cavity in the soil, usually close to the roots of infested strawberry or other host plants.
- Duration: The Pupal stage generally lasts 2–3 weeks in spring (April–June), depending on temperature and soil conditions.
- Mobility: Pupae are non-feeding and immobile.
Since pupae are hidden in the soil, they are rarely observed unless the soil is carefully excavated near the crown and roots of the plant. Refer to the attached file for a visual reference of the Strawberry Root Weevil Pupa
Strawberry root weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.) are common pests in strawberry fields across the Pacific Northwest. While adult weevils cause minor notching on leaves, the real damage comes from their larvae feeding on roots through winter and spring, leading to stunted growth, reduced yields, or even plant death in severe cases.
What to Watch For:
- Notched leaves from adult feeding (visible in early summer)
- Wilting or stunted plants from root damage
- Adults hide under plant debris during the day or emerge at night
Now is the time to inspect your strawberry fields. Check for notched leaves, look under plant debris, or monitor at night for adult activity. Early detection is key to preventing egg-laying and larval root damage.
If you notice signs, consider control options including biological (entomopathogenic nematodes), cultural (soil cultivation), or chemical treatments applied at night for best results. More management information here https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/strawberry/strawberry-root-weevil
Stay alert and protect your berries!
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/strawberry/strawberry-root-weevil
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 6, 2025 | Vol. 6, Issue 4
All Crops Eastern Idaho
Pest Alerts from Bonneville County – Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 10, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Eastern Idaho Pest Alert June 6, 2025 | Vol. 6, Issue 4
Coverage Areas: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties
CURRENT PEST AND DISEASE ISSUES
Fire Blight Alert
Fire blight risk levels are Exceptional to Extreme across most of Eastern Idaho through mid-June.
High-risk management strategies:
- Prune infected twigs and branches on dry days.
- Disinfect tools between each cut using alcohol, bleach solution, or disinfectant wipes.
- Apply antibiotics within 24 hours of a wetting event (rain or heavy dew) when blossoms are open.
- Biological control products (e.g., Blossom Protect, Double Nickel) are recommended for resistance management and organic systems.
Codling Moth Management
Egg hatch timing is highly variable due to unusual weather patterns this spring. Spray timing depends on prior fruit damage and production system.
Conventional Orchards:
- High damage history: Apply 2 sprays per generation (start with oil or insecticide).
- Low damage history: Fewer sprays needed, often just 1 per generation.
Organic Orchards:
- High damage history: 3 sprays per generation, spaced 7–10 days apart.
- Low damage history: 2 sprays per generation.
Backyard Trees:
- Treatment options include conventional (e.g., Triazicide, Sevin) and organic (e.g., Cyd-X, Neem oil, Spinosad) products. See page 7 for efficacy and timing.
Leafhoppers
- Leafhoppers feed on plant sap, causing stippling and potential fruit damage.
- Regular scouting is advised for sensitive crops like apples, pears, and grapes.
- IPM strategies include monitoring populations and protecting beneficial insects.
FRUIT PRODUCTION NOTES
Alternate Bearing in Apples
Many apple varieties alternate between heavy and light production years.
- In heavy crop years, thin fruits to reduce strain and encourage consistent yields next season.
- Thinning also improves fruit size and reduces limb breakage.
PESTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR FIRE BLIGHT
Refer to the full table on page 5 for:
- Antibiotic options (e.g., Oxytetracycline, Kasugamycin)
- Biological products (e.g., Serenade, BlightBan, Regalia)
- Copper-based sprays for pre-bloom or dormant application
UPCOMING HOME GARDEN TIPS WEBINARS - Check the PDF attached
View full schedule in the attached PDF or join online at:
Beet Leafhopper Detected in Malheur County, Oregon
Sugarbeets Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon
Beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus)
Posted on: June 9, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa
Beet Leafhopper Detected in Malheur County
Treasure Valley – Malheur County, Oregon
June 4, 2025
Pest Detected:
Beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus), the insect vectors responsible for transmitting both Beet Leafhopper-Transmitted Virescence Agent (BLTVA) and Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV), were detected in all 12 fields surveyed during recent monitoring in Malheur County. These pathogens can cause significant yield and quality losses in potatoes and sugar, two economically important crops in the Treasure Valley:
- Beet Leafhopper-Transmitted Virescence Agent (BLTVA) – causes purple top disease in potatoes
- Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) – affects sugar beets and other broadleaf crops
Identification:
- Adults: Small (3.4–3.7 mm), wedge-shaped, pale green to yellowish, quick to fly when disturbed
- Nymphs: Wingless, flattened, yellow-green with visible wing pads
- Often found on broadleaf weeds and crop foliage
Symptoms of Infection:
Potatoes (BLTVA – Purple Top):
- Upright, stunted plant growth
- Rolling or curling of upper leaves
- Purpling or reddening of leaves
- Aerial tuber formation
- Early vine death and reduced tuber yield/quality
Sugar Beets (BCTV):
- Yellowing and thickening of leaves
- Leaf curling and brittleness
- Stunted plants; potential wilting or death in severe infections
Symptoms are most severe when infection occurs early in the growing season.
Scouting & Monitoring:
- Use sweep nets or yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. It is important to deploy more than one trap per field and check them regularly. When the average catch rate approaches 40–100 per week, action may be warranted.
- Begin scouting early, particularly during warm, dry spring conditions
- Focus on field borders and areas with broadleaf weeds (e.g., kochia, mustards, Russian thistle) that serve as host plants
Management Recommendations:
Cultural Control:
- Eliminate broadleaf weeds and volunteer crops along field edges and irrigation canals to reduce overwintering and early-season host sites
- Avoid planting near known beet leafhopper overwintering zones when possible
- Plant approved curly top-resistant varieties rather than relying solely on adult insect control
- Maintain good field sanitation and monitor surrounding non-crop vegetation
Chemical Control:
- Use neonicotinoid seed treatments for early-season protection
- Choose insecticides with translaminar or systemic activity for improved efficacy
- Group 4A and 3A products have shown the highest efficacy
- Rotate insecticide groups to mitigate resistance development
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Combine cultural, chemical, and monitoring practices
- Track regional pest trends to support timely and informed intervention
Oregon State University
OSU Extension Service—Malheur County
710 SW 5th Avenue , Ontario, Oregon 97914
Tel:541-881-1417
