Crop Alerts

Potato psyllid numbers increasing in Magic Valley potato fie

Potato    All Locations

Potato Psyllid

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Amy Carroll

June 26, 2015 – Potato psyllid numbers increasing in Magic Valley potato fields

Abundance of potato psyllids appears to be increasing in the Magic Valley. We collected eight psyllids from one site in Jerome County. This week, we also collected potato psyllids from three different Canyon County fields (one psyllid per site), six different fields in Twin Falls County (one psyllid per site), one psyllid from another site in Jerome County, and seven psyllids from five sites (two on one field) in Cassia County. This represents our first psyllid captures this season in Cassia County. In addition, we collected our first psyllid since April at the Kimberly Research & Extension Center.

Aside from the one positive psyllid we reported on last week, none of the other potato psyllids that we collected last week tested positive for Lso, the bacterium that causes zebra chip.

We continue to urge growers and crop consultants to have an IPM program in place and to supplement our monitoring program with their own local monitoring.

Consult our website for more information, including online spreadsheets that show details of the psyllid captures in potato fields over the season. Updates to these spreadsheets may occur throughout the week as Lso testing results come in.

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

» http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

Potato psyllid numbers increasing in Magic Valley potato fie

Potato    All Locations

Potato Psyllid

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Amy Carroll

June 26, 2015 – Potato psyllid numbers increasing in Magic Valley potato fields

Abundance of potato psyllids appears to be increasing in the Magic Valley. We collected eight psyllids from one site in Jerome County. This week, we also collected potato psyllids from three different Canyon County fields (one psyllid per site), six different fields in Twin Falls County (one psyllid per site), one psyllid from another site in Jerome County, and seven psyllids from five sites (two on one field) in Cassia County. This represents our first psyllid captures this season in Cassia County. In addition, we collected our first psyllid since April at the Kimberly Research & Extension Center.

Aside from the one positive psyllid we reported on last week, none of the other potato psyllids that we collected last week tested positive for Lso, the bacterium that causes zebra chip.

We continue to urge growers and crop consultants to have an IPM program in place and to supplement our monitoring program with their own local monitoring.

Consult our website for more information, including online spreadsheets that show details of the psyllid captures in potato fields over the season. Updates to these spreadsheets may occur throughout the week as Lso testing results come in.

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

» http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

Plant Disease Diagnostic Submission Form

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Plant Disease

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.

Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail. Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

» Submission form - page1

» Submission form - page2

» Submission form - page3

Plant Disease Diagnostic Submission Form

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Plant Disease

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.

Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail. Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

» Submission form - page1

» Submission form - page2

» Submission form - page3

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.
Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail.

Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

» SUBMISSION FORM

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.
Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail.

Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

» SUBMISSION FORM

Potato Pest Alert for the week ending 6-26-2015

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Phill Wharton

Dr. Mike Thornton reports that there are not a lot of disease issues coming through the door right now. In the Treasure Valley area, we are seeing a little bit of early blight on lower leaves, especially on plants that are stressed due to virus infection or other issues. Speaking of stress, the hot days and warm nights forecast for the next week or so can be very hard on potato plants. To reduce the incidence of physiological disorders like sugar ends, it is important to adjust irrigation schedules to account for the increase in water demand by the crop. Growers cannot afford to get behind on irrigation under these conditions, as even a single stress event at this critical time of tuber development can cause high levels of malformed tubers and reduce processing quality.

In the Magic Valley area Dr. Nora Olsen reports that the only significant disease issues they are seeing are related to PVY infection of potatoes. The high temperatures in the area also appear to be putting some crops under stress as many which were almost at row closure last week still have not closed rows yet this week.

In east and north eastern part of the state Pocatello up through Tetonia), there have been no disease problems reported apart from some PVY issues. Many crops are at flowering now and should be at row closure in the next week or so. As with other parts of the state hot days and warm nights are forecast for the next couple of days so it is imperative to adjust irrigation schedules to account for the increase in water demand by the crop. Increased stress on the plants can make them more susceptible to disease and insect problems.

For up to date information on potato diseases in Idaho and across the country follow us on twitter. http://www.twitter.com/potatodiseases

» 1193_1.pdf

Potato Pest Alert for the week ending 6-26-2015

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Phill Wharton

Dr. Mike Thornton reports that there are not a lot of disease issues coming through the door right now. In the Treasure Valley area, we are seeing a little bit of early blight on lower leaves, especially on plants that are stressed due to virus infection or other issues. Speaking of stress, the hot days and warm nights forecast for the next week or so can be very hard on potato plants. To reduce the incidence of physiological disorders like sugar ends, it is important to adjust irrigation schedules to account for the increase in water demand by the crop. Growers cannot afford to get behind on irrigation under these conditions, as even a single stress event at this critical time of tuber development can cause high levels of malformed tubers and reduce processing quality.

In the Magic Valley area Dr. Nora Olsen reports that the only significant disease issues they are seeing are related to PVY infection of potatoes. The high temperatures in the area also appear to be putting some crops under stress as many which were almost at row closure last week still have not closed rows yet this week.

In east and north eastern part of the state Pocatello up through Tetonia), there have been no disease problems reported apart from some PVY issues. Many crops are at flowering now and should be at row closure in the next week or so. As with other parts of the state hot days and warm nights are forecast for the next couple of days so it is imperative to adjust irrigation schedules to account for the increase in water demand by the crop. Increased stress on the plants can make them more susceptible to disease and insect problems.

For up to date information on potato diseases in Idaho and across the country follow us on twitter. http://www.twitter.com/potatodiseases

» 1193_1.pdf

Cereals Tour in Parma this week

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: June 23, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Here is a quick reminder about the OSU/UI Cereal Tour in Parma this Thursday (June 25). We will start at noon with lunch and then wander out to the plots. Check out the attached flier for more information!

» 1191_1.pdf

Cereals Tour in Parma this week

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: June 23, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Here is a quick reminder about the OSU/UI Cereal Tour in Parma this Thursday (June 25). We will start at noon with lunch and then wander out to the plots. Check out the attached flier for more information!

» 1191_1.pdf

Farm Fest at the Malheur Experiment Station

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: June 22, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

You are invited to Farm Fest on July 8 at the OSU Malheur Experiment Station! Please see the attached flier in addition to a registration form for those who might be interested in having a booth. Call the Exp. Station if you have any questions: 541-889-2174. More information will be posted as it is made available.

It will be a good time!

» 1190_1.pdf

» 1190_2.pdf

Farm Fest at the Malheur Experiment Station

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: June 22, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

You are invited to Farm Fest on July 8 at the OSU Malheur Experiment Station! Please see the attached flier in addition to a registration form for those who might be interested in having a booth. Call the Exp. Station if you have any questions: 541-889-2174. More information will be posted as it is made available.

It will be a good time!

» 1190_1.pdf

» 1190_2.pdf

Potato Pest Alert for the week ending 6-19-2015

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: June 19, 2015 by Phill Wharton

The weather has finally turned and the sun has come out. In most growing areas this week temperatures have been in the 80’s or higher. With the dry warm weather across the snake river valley the risk of a late blight outbreak is low. However, micro-climates may exist in fields where conditions are conducive for late blight. Areas such as low spots where soil moisture is highest and parts of the field shaded by windbreaks are examples of areas where scouting should be intensified. For information on what fungicides to use for managing late blight see the article recently published by Dr. Jeff Miller of Miller Research and Dr. Phill Wharton from UI (http://bit.ly/1Q4tmty).

In the Treasure Valley area and western Idaho most potato crops are now past row closure and the first reports of early blight are starting to come in. For information on early blight control see (http://bit.ly/1CinqBN). Whatever product you use to control early blight it is always recommended that you tank mix it with a protectant fungicide such as Chlorothalonil or Dithane, unless the product already contains it (e.g. Gavel or Zing!). This reduces the chances of fungicide resistance development.

In the Magic Valley area most crops are just at row closure and it is around this time that growers should be making their first application for early blight/ white mold control. Dr. Jeff Miller reports that in fields that didn't receive an insecticide treatment at planting, Colorado beetles are beginning to appear.

In east and north eastern part of the state (Pocatello up through Tetonia) crops are between the 6-8” stage and touching in the rows. There have not been any reports of disease problems this week. If you are growing a variety which is susceptible to black dot, or have had problems with black dot in the past, the 6-8” plant stage is the optimal timing to apply a black dot control product such as a strobilurin (Quadris Top, Gem, Reason, Headline etc).

For up to date information on potato diseases in Idaho and across the country follow us on
twitter. http://www.twitter.com/potatodiseases

Potato Pest Alert for the week ending 6-19-2015

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: June 19, 2015 by Phill Wharton

The weather has finally turned and the sun has come out. In most growing areas this week temperatures have been in the 80’s or higher. With the dry warm weather across the snake river valley the risk of a late blight outbreak is low. However, micro-climates may exist in fields where conditions are conducive for late blight. Areas such as low spots where soil moisture is highest and parts of the field shaded by windbreaks are examples of areas where scouting should be intensified. For information on what fungicides to use for managing late blight see the article recently published by Dr. Jeff Miller of Miller Research and Dr. Phill Wharton from UI (http://bit.ly/1Q4tmty).

In the Treasure Valley area and western Idaho most potato crops are now past row closure and the first reports of early blight are starting to come in. For information on early blight control see (http://bit.ly/1CinqBN). Whatever product you use to control early blight it is always recommended that you tank mix it with a protectant fungicide such as Chlorothalonil or Dithane, unless the product already contains it (e.g. Gavel or Zing!). This reduces the chances of fungicide resistance development.

In the Magic Valley area most crops are just at row closure and it is around this time that growers should be making their first application for early blight/ white mold control. Dr. Jeff Miller reports that in fields that didn't receive an insecticide treatment at planting, Colorado beetles are beginning to appear.

In east and north eastern part of the state (Pocatello up through Tetonia) crops are between the 6-8” stage and touching in the rows. There have not been any reports of disease problems this week. If you are growing a variety which is susceptible to black dot, or have had problems with black dot in the past, the 6-8” plant stage is the optimal timing to apply a black dot control product such as a strobilurin (Quadris Top, Gem, Reason, Headline etc).

For up to date information on potato diseases in Idaho and across the country follow us on
twitter. http://www.twitter.com/potatodiseases

Another Lso-positive psyllid found in an Idaho potato field

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllids

Posted on: June 19, 2015 by Erik Wenninger

June 19, 2015 – Another Lso-positive psyllid found in a potato field

No psyllids collected last week were positive; however, one of the psyllids collected this week from a Twin Falls County potato field tested positive for Lso, the bacterium that causes zebra chip. A few psyllids collected this week remain to be tested.

Psyllid abundance this week was similar to last week. Potato psyllids were found this week in the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Gooding, Jerome (two fields), and Twin Falls (two fields).

We continue to urge growers and crop consultants to have an IPM program in place and to supplement our monitoring program with their own local monitoring.

Consult our website for more information, including online spreadsheets that show details of the psyllid captures in potato fields over the season. Updates to these spreadsheets may occur throughout the week as Lso testing results come in.

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

» http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

Another Lso-positive psyllid found in an Idaho potato field

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllids

Posted on: June 19, 2015 by Erik Wenninger

June 19, 2015 – Another Lso-positive psyllid found in a potato field

No psyllids collected last week were positive; however, one of the psyllids collected this week from a Twin Falls County potato field tested positive for Lso, the bacterium that causes zebra chip. A few psyllids collected this week remain to be tested.

Psyllid abundance this week was similar to last week. Potato psyllids were found this week in the following counties: Payette, Canyon, Gooding, Jerome (two fields), and Twin Falls (two fields).

We continue to urge growers and crop consultants to have an IPM program in place and to supplement our monitoring program with their own local monitoring.

Consult our website for more information, including online spreadsheets that show details of the psyllid captures in potato fields over the season. Updates to these spreadsheets may occur throughout the week as Lso testing results come in.

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

» http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

Small Grains Field Days this week - Arbon, Rockland and Rupe

Small Grains    All Locations

various pests discussed

Posted on: June 14, 2015 by Juliet Marshall

Please feel free to attend the Cereal Field Tours hosted by the University of Idaho on Wednesday and Thursday!

Rockland and Arbon Valley:
The Cereal Field Day in Power County this year will feature variety plots at both Rockland Valley and Arbon Valley locations on Wednesday, June 17th. The Rockland Valley Field Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the plot site on Deeg Road. Head South on Rock Creek Road, and take a right on Deeg road. The plots are about ½ mile on the north side. The Arbon Valley Field Day will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Hayden Farm. The plots are located on Mid Crystal Road near the Hayden home. Please see the attached map for directions.

Dr. Jianli Chen, University of Idaho Wheat Breeder stationed at Aberdeen, will present potential new spring and winter wheat releases. Dr. Juliet Marshall, Extension Crop Management Specialist, will lead a discussion on cereal disease issues that have come up this year.


Growers in attendance will be encouraged to tour the variety plots at each location. Refreshments will be provided by the Power County Wheat Growers Association.

Rupert Minidoka:
We will be touring both Winter and Spring extension variety Trials, starting at 9:30. Meet at the spring variety trial site - 925 E 700 N. Rupert.
Lunch provided - sponsored by Helena Chemical
Contact Joel Packham at:
Joel Packham;(208) 878-9461 or jpackham@uidaho.edu

» http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho

» Rockland and Arbon Valley

» Rupert - Thursday

Small Grains Field Days this week - Arbon, Rockland and Rupe

Small Grains    All Locations

various pests discussed

Posted on: June 14, 2015 by Juliet Marshall

Please feel free to attend the Cereal Field Tours hosted by the University of Idaho on Wednesday and Thursday!

Rockland and Arbon Valley:
The Cereal Field Day in Power County this year will feature variety plots at both Rockland Valley and Arbon Valley locations on Wednesday, June 17th. The Rockland Valley Field Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the plot site on Deeg Road. Head South on Rock Creek Road, and take a right on Deeg road. The plots are about ½ mile on the north side. The Arbon Valley Field Day will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Hayden Farm. The plots are located on Mid Crystal Road near the Hayden home. Please see the attached map for directions.

Dr. Jianli Chen, University of Idaho Wheat Breeder stationed at Aberdeen, will present potential new spring and winter wheat releases. Dr. Juliet Marshall, Extension Crop Management Specialist, will lead a discussion on cereal disease issues that have come up this year.


Growers in attendance will be encouraged to tour the variety plots at each location. Refreshments will be provided by the Power County Wheat Growers Association.

Rupert Minidoka:
We will be touring both Winter and Spring extension variety Trials, starting at 9:30. Meet at the spring variety trial site - 925 E 700 N. Rupert.
Lunch provided - sponsored by Helena Chemical
Contact Joel Packham at:
Joel Packham;(208) 878-9461 or jpackham@uidaho.edu

» http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho

» Rockland and Arbon Valley

» Rupert - Thursday

Iris yellow spot in bulb onions

Onion    Treasure Valley

IYSV and Onion thrips

Posted on: June 13, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus was detected in commercial bulb fields in Payette County.

The advanced symptoms (dried necrotic tissue) seen on some infected plants suggests the infection has been present for at least 2 weeks.

The early appearance of virus points out the need for onion growers to be vigilant in their thrips control programs.

Insecticides won't prevent movement of virus-infected thrips into fields, but can help reduce the secondary spread of virus within fields by reducing plant to plant movement of thrips and their reproduction within the crop.

In addition to thrips management, minimize stress on onion plants by making sure fields are maintained at an adequate but not excessive fertility level, and that the soil moisture is kept at about the 20 centibar level. This will help reduce the severity of virus symptoms.

Please contact Stuart Reitz at Malheur County Extension (541-881-1417 / stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu) if you have questions about your onion fields or would like assistance with virus diagnosis.

» IYSV lesions on onion

» Developing IYSV lesions on onion (note green islands within necrotic tissue)