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Annual Survey

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon

Posted on: March 26, 2026 by Jemila Chellappa

We Didn’t Forget… We’re Getting Ready to Celebrate! 

As we prepare to celebrate 25 years of the PNW Pest Alert Network, we want to hear from the people who made this journey possible — you!

Our Annual Survey is still open, and your feedback plays a critical role in shaping the future of pest alerts, GDD tools, and decision-support resources across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.

Haven’t taken the survey yet? There’s still time!

Your input helps us:

• Improve real-time pest alerts
• Enhance GDD-based decision tools
• Deliver more region-specific, actionable insights

Bonus!
Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a Lucky Draw, and winners will be announced during our 25-Year Celebration on May 20th!

Don’t miss out:

✔ Share your feedback
✔ Enter the lucky draw
✔ Be part of our milestone celebration

Take the survey today! 

*Crop Subscribers - https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BQQgjBpDHFSVNk

*Garden and Landscape Subscribers - https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUXPcTHHBz4qQsK

Thanks for your time taking the survey!

Early Pest Detections - Codling Moth & Peach Twig Borer

Apple    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon

Codling Moth & Peach Twig Borer

Posted on: March 24, 2026 by Jemila Chellappa

Pest Alert: Early Detection of Codling Moth & Peach Twig Borer

Location: Farmway & Karcher area, Treasure Valley, Idaho
Date: March 24, 2026

Backyard growers in the Farmway and Karcher area have reported early captures of key orchard pests in delta traps:

• Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) – 1 adult captured
• Peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella) – 1 adult captured

These detections are earlier than typically expected, signaling that pest activity has begun in localized areas.

What This Means

• This may represent early flight initiation (biofix approaching or beginning) for both pests.
• Even low trap counts are important—they indicate the start of adult emergence.
• Warmer early-season conditions may be accelerating development.

Recommended Actions for Growers

• Deploy traps immediately if not already in place (especially in apples, pears, peaches, nectarines).
• Check traps regularly (2–3 times per week) to monitor trends.
• Record first consistent captures to establish a reliable biofix.
• Begin tracking Growing Degree Days (GDD) for precise timing of:
  • Egg hatch (Codling moth)
  • Larval emergence (Peach twig borer)Why It Matters

Why It Matters

Accurate timing based on trap data + GDD allows for:

• Improved spray timing
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide applications
• Better pest control and fruit protection

Stay Connected

Continue monitoring updates through the PNW Pest Alert Network for region-specific guidance and GDD-based recommendations.

Onion Growers Alert

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon

Cull Onion Disposal

Posted on: March 4, 2026 by Jemila Chellappa

Growers are reminded that the deadline to dispose of existing cull onion piles is March 15 to help prevent the buildup of onion pests such as onion maggot.

Key Requirements

• All existing cull onion piles must be disposed of by March 15.

• From March 15 to July 1, any new cull piles must be disposed of within one week of creation.

Proper disposal is essential to reduce pest development and protect nearby onion fields.

Management Options

If cull onions cannot be buried in a timely manner, piles may be treated with an approved insecticide labeled for cull piles or non-crop areas.

Approved options previously identified include:

• Malathion products

  • Gowan Malathion 8 Flowable – EPA Reg. No. 10163-21

  • Malathion 5 EC – EPA Reg. No. 66330-220
    (Malathion is generally the most economical option.)

• Azadirachtin products

  • AzaGuard – EPA Reg. No. 70299-17

  • Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME – EPA Reg. No. 5481-559

  • Gowan Aza-Direct – EPA Reg. No. 71908-1-10163

Always read and follow pesticide label instructions before application.

Additional Regulations

• In Malheur County, Oregon, no more than 80 tons of onion debris may be buried per acre.

• State regulations related to onion maggot management and cull disposal can be found in the links below.

Additional Resources

• Oregon rule: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action

• Idaho rule (onion maggot section begins on page 8): https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/02/020605.pdf

» ODA Onion Maggot Cull Letter

» Pesticide Advisory Notice

» ISDA Cull Onion Brochure

2026 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: January 16, 2026 by Jeff Miller

The 2026 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar will be Thursday, February 26 at the Historic Wilson Theater in Rupert. Cost is $30. ISDA and CCA credits have been requested. More details can be found on the attached page and link.

» https://millerresearch.com/event/2026-miller-research-potato-pest-management-seminar/

» 2026_Seminar_Announcement.pdf

Treasure Valley Onion School

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon

Posted on: December 19, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa

» Treasure_Valley_Onion_Workshop_Revised.pdf

2025 Idaho Association of Plant Protection - Nov. 5-6

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 9, 2025 by Jeff Miller

The agenda for the 2025 Idaho Association of Plant Protection is attached. The cost to attend is $30 for standard registration and $20 for students. The fee is the same whether you attend one or both days. Payment can be made at the door and credit cards are accepted.

Attendees can earn 2 ISDA credits and 4 CCA Pest Management credits on Wednesday and 3 ISDA credits and 4 CCA Pest Management credits on Thursday.

» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-idaho-association-of-plant-protection/

» IAPP_2025_Program.pdf

Pesticide Recertification Seminars

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon

Posted on: October 6, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa

Upcoming Treasure Valley Cropping Systems Seminars: Pests and Pesticides

When: Monday, October 20 & Thursday, October 23, 2025
Where: 1904 E Chicago Street, Caldwell Research and Extension Centre, University of Idaho Extension, Caldwell, Idaho
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM both days

The Treasure Valley Cropping Systems Pests and Pesticide Seminars bring together Extension specialists and regulatory experts to provide the latest updates on insect pests and pesticide regulations for Idaho growers, applicators, and agricultural professionals. Each day features two focused, one-hour sessions followed by Q&A, offering practical, research-based information to strengthen IPM practices, improve decision-making, and ensure compliance.

Cost is free/ Registration required https://forms.office.com/r/B6wWQ6Q0x8?origin=lprLink

Pesticide Credits: 4 (2 for each day)

Monday, October 20, 2025 – Insect Pests of Treasure Valley Crops

• 10:00–11:00 AM – Insect Pests and Their Management in Treasure Valley Crops
  Speaker: Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis, University of Idaho Extension
  → Focus on key insect pests, thresholds, and integrated management strategies.
• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Classical and Emerging Horticulture Insects & Pathogens in Idaho
  Speaker: Bradley Stokes, University of Idaho Extension
  → Highlights on invasive and established pests, safe pesticide use, and IPM in home and commercial horticulture.

Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Pesticides & Regulations

• 10:00–11:00 AM – Understanding Pesticide Chemistry: From Mode of Action to Resistance Management
  Speaker: Dr. Marcelo Dimase, University of Idaho Extension
  → Learn how pesticide chemistry connects with field management and resistance prevention.
• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Navigating Pesticide Regulations and Compliance in Idaho
  Speaker: Blaine Sterling, Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA)
  → Review Idaho licensing, record-keeping, label interpretation, and compliance requirements.

Why Attend

• Strengthen your IPM knowledge
• Stay compliant with Idaho pesticide laws
• Connect with Extension and ISDA experts

For more information or registration details, contact:
Jemila Chellappa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Area Extension Educator – Cropping Systems
University of Idaho Extension, Southern Districts

» Oct 20 Seminar Flyer

» Oct 23 Seminar Flyer

Final potato psyllid monitoring update of 2025 season

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 19, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak

This is the final report of the 2025 potato psyllid / Lso monitoring season. 

Among the 11 psyllids captured last week, two tested positive for Lso, the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). 

Overall captures have been remarkably similar for the last three years. About 10% of all psyllids tested positive for Lso this year compared to about 4% last year and 6% the year before. The risk of ZC may have been slightly elevated this year by the prevalence of Los, but mitigated somewhat by relatively low psyllid captures. It is worth noting that nearly all of the Lso-positive psyllids were captured in the Magic Valley, with a few in the Treasure Valley, and none in the Upper Snake region. 

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. 

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 of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here: 

https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management

To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid

Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

Psyllid captures decline overall, one new Lso-positive – 11 September 2025 update

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: September 11, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak

• This week we received traps from 21 fields that we are monitoring. Most fields have undergone vine kill and/or monitoring on them has otherwise ceased.

• We captured a total of 11 psyllids across 3 fields.

• Captures were from Canyon and Twin Falls counties. 

• Among the 17 psyllids captured last week, one tested positive for Lso.

This is our last week reporting psyllid captures. Next week we will report on Lso incidence in psyllids captured this week. Psyllid captures from this week were relatively low overall. One of the psyllids from last week tested positive for Lso; this was the first Lso-positive psyllid since early August. Lso incidence this year has been relatively high, but thankfully the relatively low abundance of psyllids should mitigate risk of ZC somewhat. Nevertheless, we encourage you to maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas that have had higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids earlier this season. Next week we will post an end-of-season wrap up. 

More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here: 

https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management

To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid

Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

Psyllid captures still moderate, no new Lso – 4 September 2025 update

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 4, 2025 by Erik Wenninger

• This week we received traps from 17 fields that we are monitoring. Many fields have undergone vine kill and/or monitoring on them has otherwise ceased.

• We captured a total of 17 psyllids across 6 fields.

• Captures were from Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls counties. 

• Among the 43 psyllids captured last week, none tested positive for Lso.

Psyllid captures were on par with the low-to-moderate numbers that we saw during the past few years at this time. Thankfully all the psyllids from last week again tested negative for Lso; we haven’t had any Lso-positive psyllids since early August. This should have been the last week of reporting on psyllid captures, but the busy season delayed retrieval of traps from some fields, so we hope to have those numbers next week. In the meantime, we encourage you to maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas that have had higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids 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/

Psyllid captures tick up, no new Lso – 28 August 2025 update

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: August 28, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak

• This week we received traps from 31 fields that we are monitoring. 

• We captured a total of 43 psyllids across 14 fields.

• Captures were from Canyon, Gooding, and Twin Falls counties. 

• Among the 14 psyllids captured last week, none tested positive for Lso.

Psyllid captures ticked up this week in both the Magic and Treasure valleys. This is not entirely surprising given that psyllid abundance very often spikes during August, though captures had been tracking much lower over the past several weeks. Thankfully all the psyllids from last week tested negative for Lso. Some fields have undergone vine kill and will no longer be monitored. Early harvest also limited person-power for trap retrieval from some sites, so those traps will be retrieved next week. We encourage you to maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas that have had higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids 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/

Psyllid captures still low, Lso still present – 21 August 2025 update

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: August 21, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak

• This week we received traps from all 48 fields that we are monitoring. 

• We captured a total of 14 psyllids across 8 fields.

• Captures were from Owyhee, Canyon, Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls counties. 

• Among the 12 psyllids captured last week, 1 tested positive for Lso.

Psyllid captures this week remained quite low, and one more Lso-positive psyllid was captured last week. Overall captures this year have been low to modest with relatively high prevalence of Lso. Thankfully the low captures should help to mitigate the potential risk of ZC that may come with high prevalence of Lso. Interestingly, we still have yet to capture a potato psyllid in the Upper Snake region this year. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.

More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here: 

https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management

To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid

Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

Psyllid captures lessen slightly, Lso is still present– 14 August 2025 update

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: August 14, 2025 by Tasha Stanzak

• This week we received traps from all 48 fields that we are monitoring. 

• We captured a total of 12 psyllids across 5 fields.

• Captures were from Payette, Canyon, Twin Falls, and Minidoka counties. 

• Among the 24 psyllids captured last week, 2 tested positive for Lso.

Psyllid captures this week ticked down a bit from last week, and two more Lso-positive psyllids were captured last week. Overall captures this year have been modest with relatively high prevalence of Lso. Interestingly, we still have yet to capture a potato psyllid in the Upper Snake region this year. Please maintain your IPM programs, especially in areas with higher captures of Lso-positive psyllids.

More information on management of potato psyllids and ZC can be found here: 

https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/pest-management/psyllid-management

To view the weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid

Please visit the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid captures from 2020 through 2025 and an archive of this year’s weekly updates as the season progresses: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

» https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

Eastern Idaho Pest Alert

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: August 13, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa

EASTERN IDAHO PEST ALERT 

Serving Counties: Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Cassia, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, and Teton
Date: August 8, 2025 | Volume 6, Issue 13

Disease Spotlight: Fusarium Wilt

• Cause: Soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum

• Crops Affected: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons

• Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, brown vascular tissue

• Management: Resistant varieties, crop rotation, soil health, sanitation, biological controls, solarization, and avoiding overwatering.

Fall Tree & Shrub Planting Tips

• Why Fall is Ideal: Cooler temps, more rain, and still-warm soil encourage root growth.

• Key Practice: Root washing helps correct root deformities in container plants.

• Tips: Dig wide (not deep), use native soil, water wisely, mulch properly, stake only if necessary.

Codling Moth Management

• Timing: 2nd generation egg hatch in most areas has begun or passed. Continue protection through Sept. 15.

• Spray Schedules: Vary by location and fruit damage history (see region-specific table on page 5).

• Product Guidance:

  • Conventional options: Spectracide, Sevin, Malathion, Bonide, etc.

  • Organic options: Neem oil, Cyd-X, Spinosad, pyrethrin products.

  • Choose different products for each generation to prevent resistance.

Fireblight Control

• When: Monitor symptoms ~2 weeks after full bloom; prune infected wood during dry weather.

• Chemical Controls: Copper, lime sulfur, oxytetracycline, Actigard, etc.

• Biological Controls: Include Streptomycin, Blossom Protect, Serenade Optimum, Regalia, and others.

• Pruning Reminder: Always disinfect tools between cuts.

Upcoming Events

IDAHO HOME GARDEN TIPS:

• Aug 12: Deer Proofing Your Yard – Sara Mahdavi @ 7 PM

• Aug 19: Late Season Flowers – Andy West @ 7 PM

• Aug 26: Dehydrating Your Harvest

• Sept 9: Understanding Manures

• Sept 23: Freeze Drying Your Harvest

PLANT TALK Q&A:
Ron Patterson & Reed Findlay – Aug 12 & Aug 19 @ 7:30 PM

Contact Info:
University of Idaho Extension – Bonneville County

» AUGUST 8, 2025| VOL. 6 ISS. 13

Position Announcement: Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station

All Crops    All Locations

Foundation Seed Director

Posted on: August 12, 2025 by Juliet Marshall

We have a new position posted for the Foundation Seed Director and invite applicants to http://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/hr/postings/49200 for more information.

Title:  Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station
Department: Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station
Posting Number: SP004976P

 Open until filled with a first consideration of 9/14.

» https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/uidaho.peopleadmin.com/hr/shibboleth__;!!JYXjzlvb!nawX9EjbZ-Fdb81d3qsne_k7bA5n7m33rKZAg242sT7wRH1ip8hyPEjObujnqQCPgYS5LlbpAavdehyOZdTtaImN$

Reminder - Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day - August 20

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: August 12, 2025 by Jeff Miller

Come to the Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day on Wednesday, August 20. Registration begins at 8:30 with the field tour going from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

Three ISDA pesticide recertification credits and three CCA IPM credits are available. 

The cost to attend is $20 and lunch will be provided.

» https://millerresearch.com/event/2025-miller-research-potato-pest-management-field-day/

Reminder: Parma Field Day

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley, Northern Idaho, Treasure Valley Oregon

Posted on: August 11, 2025 by Jemila Chellappa

2025 Field Day at Parma