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Stripe Rust
Small Grains Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 23, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
Dr. Brad Brown, Crop Management Specialist, at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center has found very low levels of stripe rust infection in spring barley on the Parma station. He has found rust in Colter and 1550 and somewhat less in Baronesse and 451H barley. He has also found stripe rust in spring wheat. It is low enough infection, and sufficiently late that it likely will not be of consequence for production, except possibly in the most susceptible varieties that were planted particularly late.
Early blight forecast
Potato Magic Valley
Posted on: June 21, 2006 by Jeff Miller
A total of 300 P-days has accumulated in the Twin Falls area. This is the threshold for the optimal time for the first fungicide treatment for early blight control.
The late blight forecast for the Twin Falls and Rupert areas is moderately low. However, recent thundershower activity has made conditions more favorable for late blight development. Fungicides that are applied for early blight control will provide protection against late blight.
Early and late blight forecast
Potato Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 21, 2006 by Jeff Miller
A total of 300 P-Days have accumulated for the Parma and Glenns Ferry areas. Research has shown that fungicide treatment for early blight is most effective when initiated at 300 P-days.
Additionally, early season weather in the Parma area has been conducive for late blight development. The University of Idaho forecast indicates a moderate probability of late blight in that area.
Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets
Sugarbeets Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 19, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives (TASCO) are saying that now is the time to plan your treatments for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, TASCO Field Representatives say the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is found in the field. TASCO is recommending mildew applications in the west end of the Treasure Valley by July 5, and applications in the east end of the Treasure Valley (Ada/Canyon County line) no later than July 10. Treatments should be made by these dates regardless of whether or not your fields are surface or sprinkler irrigated. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONTAIN A REFERENCE PAGE FOR POWDERY MILDEW IN SUGARBEETS. CONTACT YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FROM TASCO FOR THEIR TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.
PCN Update
Potato All Locations
Posted on: June 16, 2006 by Jeff Miller
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Stakeholder Update (6/15/06)
SITUATION SUMMARY
On April 19, 2006 officials of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, a major pest of potato crops. This is was the first detection of the pest in the United States. The nematode cysts were detected during a routine survey of tare soil at an ISDA Grader facility in eastern Idaho. In that survey, 3500 samples were analyzed, and only one was positive.
On June 13, 2006, soil samples collected from a 45-acre field in northern Bingham County tested positive for PCN. Production in the area is for fresh market and processed potatoes, not seed potatoes. The field is not within an Idaho Seed Potato Crop Management area, where safeguards assuring quality are monitored. As part of the investigation following the April detection, more than 2,500 samples representing over 60 fields and facilities associated with shipments that went through the grading station were tested. All other samples collected as part of the investigation have tested negative for PCN. Additionally, more than 3,000 Idaho soil samples taken since last fall as part of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) from processing and fresh pack facilities and 500 samples taken from seed potato producers have been negative for PCN. Based on these survey results, and the more 2,500 samples taken since the April detection the PCN infestation appears to be isolated, but additional surveillance will continue.
Investigators from APHIS and ISDA are continuing to conduct interviews which determine where surveys and sample collection may be useful to ensure that the spread of the nematode is limited.
Preliminary identification of the nematodes was conducted by the University of Idaho (U of I) Nematology Laboratory, and the identity was confirmed by the USDA Nematology Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland using both morphometric and molecular sequencing technologies.
The microscopic nematodes pose no threat to human health and never actually enter the tuber. However, they can reduce the yield of potatoes through root damage. There is no evidence that the quality or yield of potatoes grown in Idaho has been affected. However, there are significant trade implications.
Trading partners have reacted in various ways to the detection of PCN.
•Japan has suspended all potato imports from the U.S.
•Canada, Korea, and Mexico suspended potato shipments from the State of Idaho.
•Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore have asked for information, but have taken no action to suspend potato imports from the United States.
APHIS emergency action notifications (EANS) and ISDA restrictions have been imposed on the Bingham County field and other suspect sites. These state and federal actions restrict the movement of soil, plants, plant material and farm equipment which may have been exposed to the potato cyst nematode and they are intended to prevent the introduction and dissemination of the pest. To date, these restrictions have been imposed in Bingham, Bonneville, and Jefferson counties, but they are currently limited to only five six sites. Previously restricted fresh packed product has been released to move in commerce. Idaho potatoes and potato product are moving normally in domestic commerce.
Depending on the results of ongoing surveys, restrictions may be placed on areas surrounding infested fields. Idaho potato farmers, packers and processors continue to work closely with APHIS and ISDA to ensure that spread of the nematode and need for widespread regulations can be avoided.
Updates and related information:
The APHIS/ISDA unified command in Idaho Falls will continue in operation. Soil samples continue to be collected, focusing on land that is adjacent to the field where PCN was positively identified, and on properties that have shared equipment, labor or other resources with the field.
AHPIS/ISDA continue to gather information about seed sources for the infested field. That traceback continues with the full understanding that the seed source may have nothing to do with the field infestation. It may have originated with equipment, farm personnel, wind, wildlife or other sources. Those other possibilities continue to be explored as well.
APHIS/ISDA has not released the specific location of the field in question in order to prevent the spread of the infestation. One media report incorrectly pinned the location as Blackfoot, which is in central Bingham County. The field is actually in northern Bingham County.
ISDA and APHIS continue to regulate six sites and establishments: three fields, one packing shed, and two potato cellars. Two of the fields remain regulated while soil samples are examined, but have so far not yielded any positive PCN samples. Regulations on those two fields and the shed and cellars are expected to be released soon.
Approximately 28 different farm operations sent potatoes to the grader station on the day in February that the original positive soil sample was collected. Soil samples continue to be analyzed from more than 50 fields on these farms.
During its 25-plus year history, the U. of I. Nematology Laboratory at Parma, Idaho, has processed approximately 100,000 samples all of which have been negative for PCN until the most recent detection.
More than 20 APHIS, ISDA, and U of I personnel are currently working on the cooperative control program.
POTATO CYST NEMATODE TRACED TO SINGLE IDAHO FIELD
Potato All Locations
Posted on: June 14, 2006 by Jeff Miller
POTATO CYST NEMATODE TRACED TO SINGLE IDAHO FIELD
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2006–Scientists looking for evidence of potato cyst nematode (PCN) in Idaho today confirmed the presence of the pest in one eastern Idaho field.
The cysts were discovered in soil samples collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). The soil was collected as part of the investigation into the April 19, detection of the pest, which was found in routine samples taken at a potato grading station in Idaho. The nematode does not pose any threat to human health, but can reduce the yield of potatoes and other crops. There is no sign that the quality of tubers grown in Idaho has been affected.
The soil samples that tested positive for PCN were collected from a 45-acre field located in northern Bingham County, south of Idaho Falls. Production in the area is for fresh market and processed potatoes, not seed potatoes. The field is not within an Idaho Seed Potato Crop Management area, where safeguards assuring quality are monitored. As part of the investigation, more than 2,500 samples representing numerous fields associated with the grading station were tested. All other samples collected as part of the investigation have tested negative for PCN. Additionally, more than 3,000 Idaho soil samples taken since last fall as part of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) have been negative for PCN. Based on these survey results, the PCN infestation appears to be isolated, but additional surveillance will continue.
APHIS and ISDA are implementing a regulatory program at the positive site designed to prevent the pest’s spread to other fields. The program will restrict the movement of plants and soil, and require sanitation procedures for equipment used on the regulated field. Aggressive delimiting surveys are being conducted in areas associated with the PCN-positive field. Associated areas include those areas with geographic nearness, common usage of tillage equipment, common seed sources, common irrigation water or other means.
The potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, is a major pest of potato crops in cool-temperate areas. It primarily affects plants within the potato family including tomatoes, eggplants and some weeds. Potato cyst nematode infestations may be associated with patches of poor growth. Affected potato plants may exhibit yellowing, wilting or death of foliage–none of which has been observed in Idaho potato fields. If left unmanaged, nematodes can cause significant yield loss. The PCN is widely distributed in many potato-growing regions throughout the world. In North America, the nematode is also known to be present on the island of Newfoundland, Canada.
Early detection of pests minimizes agricultural production costs and enhances product quality and marketability. Crop rotation and the use of certified seed and nematicides (fumigants or granular systemic compounds) are effective and practical means of suppression.
Wayne Hoffman
Special Assistant to the Director
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
office (208) 332-8671
cell (208) 841-1305
home (208) 467-9257
email whoffman@idahoag.us
UI's Parma R and E Center Field Day
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: June 12, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The University of Idaho's Parma Research and Extension Center will showcase its work in small grains, forages and row crops at a July 7 field day for the public.
Beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at lunch with a sandwich meal, this year's field day will highlight ongoing studies in wheat, barley, triticale, onions, potatoes, beans and alfalfa seed. Visitors will tour trials of promising new small grains in various market classes and will hear about the effects of harvest dates on triticale and wheat forage. They will learn about fertilizer management in small grains, including fall-planted waxy spring barleys and low-phytate spring barleys.
Participants interested in potatoes will see trials of new varieties for the Treasure Valley and studies focusing on phosphorus, groundcover effects, pesticide placement and seed physiology.
Visitors will also tour research on plant spacing and available phosphorus in alfalfa seed, on seed inoculation and treatment in beans, and on neckrot incidence and control of sunscald, thrips and nutsedge in onions.
Attendance is free and lunch will be provided. The Parma Research and Extension Center is located 1 mile north of Parma on UI Road. For more information, contact Extension crop management specialist Brad Brown at (208) 722-6701, Ext. 216, or bradb@uidaho.edu.
Stripe Rust in Wheat - Ririe, ID
Small Grains Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 9, 2006 by Juliet Windes
A 5-acre field of Moreland hard red winter wheat in Ririe, ID, has stripe rust. This site is about 100 miles north-northeast of the last confirmed location. Please scout susceptible varieties often! The ten-day forecast predicts stormy, cooler weather that will be conducive to stripe rust spread and infection. Right now, spring wheat will be especially vulnerable. You can report new locations and varieties affected by calling Juliet Windes at 208-529-8376 or emailing jwindes@uidaho.edu. This is only to allow us to track the spread and infection of varieties and to alert growers in affected areas for the potential need to apply fungicides. For control recommendations and pictures please visit our website at http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/
Onion Thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus
Onion Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 7, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
Onion Thrips/Iris Yellow Spot Virus Control Seminars sponsored by the University of Idaho and Oregon State University will be held at the following locations next week.
Monday, June 12 – Ontario, Oregon, OSU Extension office
Wednesday, June 14 – Parma, Idaho, Parma Research and Extension Center classroom
Thursday, June 15 – Weiser, Idaho at the Vendome
Meetings will start at noon and last an hour. Free sack lunches will be provided.
Topics to be covered are the relationship between thrips control and development of IYSV. Additional topics include the section 18 label for Carzol, experience from 2005 research trials, application timing, resistance management, and handler safety.
All growers and distributor field personnel that plan to use this product in 2006 are encouraged to attend this meeting.
Cherry Fruit Fly
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 6, 2006 by Steven Reddy
Ben Simko, Entomology Program Manager ISDA, reported that one of his scouts brought in a positive Western Cherry Fruit Fly on a yellow panel trap from the rural Nampa area on June 5th.
According to the insect model, June 3-4 was the recommended treatment date for Cherry Fruit Fly in Canyon County.
Stripe Rust in Wheat
Small Grains Magic Valley
Posted on: June 5, 2006 by Juliet Windes
Stripe rust has been reported now infecting the HRW Moreland in the Rupert / Paul area. Reports of low levels of stripe rust in Brundage SWW have indicated attenuated progression of the disease with higher temperatures. Continue to scout susceptible varieties, such as Deloris and Moreland, and scouting of susceptible spring wheat varieties should also be done at least twice a week.
Sugarbeet root maggot
Sugarbeets Magic Valley
Posted on: June 2, 2006 by Kelly Tindall
According to sticky stake captures, sugar beet root maggots have reached threshold in about 50% of trap locations in the Minidoka area. Counts in the Cassia area are still below threshold. Consult Amalgamated’s website for trap captures in your area to determine if insecticide is warranted in your area. (http://www.amalgamatedsugar.com/articles/2006RtMaggotStickyStake.pdf)
Rimon for lygus control
Alfalfa Seed Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: June 1, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The following message was submitted by Dr. Jim Barbour from the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center.
Rimon® 0.83EC insecticide (novaluron; Chemtura Corp.), has received a section 24c approval for control of lygus bugs in alfalfa seed. Rimon is an insect growth regulator that controls insects by interfering with the molting process. As larvae or nymphs feed and begin to molt, the exoskeleton ruptures and the insect dies before reaching the next growth stage. Nymphs developing in eggs laid on Rimon residues are unable to hatch.
Rimon is easy on natural enemies of lygus bugs and other insect pests. It is also very easy on adult leafcutting bees. We do not yet have information on the effect of Rimon on alfalfa leafcutting bee larvae. Because of this selectivity Rimon looks like a good fit in an Integrated Management Program and may work well to keep lygus numbers low when applied during bloom.
Rimon has provided control of lygus in our field trials and has provided better seed yields than untreated control plots even when it didn’t appear to reduce lygus bug numbers. Here are a few guidelines for using Rimon.
• Scout the field so that you know the number and size of lygus bug nymphs present in your field.
• Applications of Rimon alone should only be made when low numbers of small (instars 1-3) are present in order to prevent lygus population from reaching damaging numbers, not to rapidly reduce damaging numbers of large lygus (instars 4 & 5 and adults).
• Because it is a growth regulator and slow acting, Rimon should not be used alone as a rescue treatment on fields with high numbers of large lygus nymphs and adults.
• When high numbers of adults and large nymphs are present, Rimon should be tank mixed with a traditional pesticide to lower numbers of larger instar lygus bugs and prevent development of eggs and small nymphs.
• Rimon may also control alfalfa weevil and caterpillars.
• Follow label directions. A copy of the label can be viewed or downloaded from ISDA using the following link:
http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/Documents/24c/Rimon%20on%20Alfalfa%20Grown%20for%20Seed.pdf
• I would recommend a minimum of 15 gallons per acre when ground applied even though the label allows a minimum of 5 gallons per acre.
Please let me know if you are using Rimon for lygus control this year. I would like to track the progress of fields treated with Rimon and get your input on the product.
Dr. Jim Barbour
email: jbarbour@uidaho.edu
phone: 208 722-6701
Stripe Rust
Small Grains Eastern Idaho
Posted on: June 1, 2006 by Juliet Windes
Stripe rust was found in two fields at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, both incidents were on Deloris hard red winter wheat. Small pustules were found on tips of flag leaves on two plants within the one field. While not (yet) extensive, this indicates inoculum is present in the area, and known susceptible varieties should be scouted regularly.
Potato cyst nematode update
Potato All Locations
Posted on: May 31, 2006 by Jeff Miller
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN)
Stakeholder Update
(5/31/06)
SITUATION SUMMARY
On April 19, 2006 officials of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, a major pest of potato crops. This is the first detection of the pest in the United States. The nematode cysts were detected during a routine survey of tare soil at an ISDA Grader facility in eastern Idaho. The initial identification of PCN in Idaho was made by the University of Idaho Nematology Laboratory in Parma, ID. The identification was confirmed through microscopic and DNA analysis by the USDA ARS Nematology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD.
The microscopic nematodes pose no threat to human health and never actually enter the tuber. However, they can reduce the yield of potatoes through root damage. There is no evidence that the quality or yield of potatoes grown in Idaho has been affected. However, there are significant trade implications.
Trading partners have reacted in various ways to the detection of PCN.
*Japan has suspended all potato imports from the U.S.
*Canada, Korea, and Mexico suspended potato shipments from the State of Idaho.
*Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore have asked for information, but have taken no action to suspend potato imports from the United States.
APHIS and ISDA are implementing actions to determine if the pest is actually distributed in fields in Idaho and, if so, prevent movement of PCN to uninfested areas. Officials are working cooperatively with Extension Service and the potato industry to provide Best Management Practices to deal with potato pest issues.
APHIS emergency action notifications (EANS) and ISDA restrictions have been imposed at suspect sites. These state and federal actions restrict the movement of soil, plants, plant material and farm equipment which may have been exposed to the potato cyst nematode and they are intended to prevent the introduction and dissemination of the pest. To date, these restrictions have been imposed in Bingham, Bonneville, and Jefferson counties, but they are currently limited to only five sites. Previously restricted fresh packed product has been released to move in commerce. Idaho potatoes and potato product are moving normally in domestic commerce.
Updates:
* APHIS has deregulated the tare dirt at two potato processing
plants. The action came after the facilities were determined to be free of PCN. Under APHIS/ISDA supervision, facility personnel were able to dispose of all the tare dirt that may have been associated with the potatoes that went through the grading station on the same day as the sample in which the PCN was discovered.
* With the release of the tare dirt at the two processing plants,
ISDA and APHIS continue to regulate the remaining five sites and
establishments: two fields, one packing shed, and two potato cellars.
o The fields are not allowed to be planted to potatoes in 2006, no
soil is to be moved from the fields, and equipment leaving the fields must be cleaned of soil.
o Soil in the settling basin at the packing shed must be moved to an
approved disposal site.
o Except for equipment which must be cleaned, nothing is to enter or
leave the cellars until they are released from the regulation.
* Soil samples are being collected from piler dirt at potato storage
facilities which provided potatoes to the grader station on the same day as the positive sample; if piler dirt is not available then fields that grew the potatoes will need to be sampled. Approximately 28 different farm operations sent potatoes to the grader station on the day in February that the original positive soil sample was collected. Growers are being very cooperative in assisting with tracking down the source of the nematodes. This is extremely important because the source needs to be detected as early as possible to avoid possible spread of the nematode into production areas. Likewise, if nothing is found, it could support the contention that this is "a transient actionable pest under surveillance" according to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 8 (ISPM 8). Piler dirt from ten growers was sampled during the past two weeks representing 19 fields with 37 samples.
* To date, more than 2500 soil samples have been collected in the
survey that began as a result of the PCN detection. This is in addition to the 3,000 soil samples collected since last August as part of the original detection survey. Samples sent to labs have yielded no additional potato cyst nematodes. Only the original sample of tare dirt taken at an Idaho potato grading station has produced potato cyst nematodes. Other types of cysts, commonly associated with cereal crops, have been detected, but these are ordinary detections of non-quarantine pests.
* ISDA and APHIS scientists are gathering information on used farm
equipment imported from countries where PCN is known to occur. This is based on the possibility that PCN may have been transported onboard foreign farm equipment. There is still no conclusive evidence that PCN originated in an Idaho potato field. Because of the possibility that the PCN did originate with an Idaho potato field, ISDA and APHIS continue to explore leads for sources of such an infestation, but so far, that search has not yielded any conclusive results.
A total of 21 APHIS and ISDA personnel are currently working on the cooperative control program. A representative of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe is also assisting the PCN investigation.
Section 18, 24c and Crisis Exemption Labels
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: May 31, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
A current list of Section 18 (Emergency Exemptions), Section 24c (Special Local Needs Labels) and Crisis Exemptions for the state of Idaho is available by clicking on “Crop Info,” “Announcements” and the “Section 18 and 24c Labels” button. A complete list of 24c labels can be found at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s website at http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/registration/Section24cmain.php.
Approved Crisis Exemptions, Section 18 and 24c Labels for I
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: May 31, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
A current list of Section 18 (Emergency Exemptions), Section 24c (Special Local Needs Labels) and Crisis Exemptions for the state of Idaho is available by clicking on “Crop Info,” “Announcements” and the “Section 18 and 24c Labels” button. A complete list of 24c labels can be found at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s website at http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/registration/Section24cmain.php.
Stripe Rust in Weston, ID, on Utah 100
Small Grains Eastern Idaho
Posted on: May 30, 2006 by Juliet Windes
This is a follow up to Friday's report of stripe rust in irrigated Moreland HRW in Weston, ID. The grower reports stripe rust now in dryland Utah 100 HRW. Last Thursday, I saw chlorotic areas in Utah 100, but no active pustules. The infection was about a week behind that in the irrigated fields. Conditions over the holiday weekend were conducive to stripe rust spread and infection. PLEASE scout susceptible varieties and report occurences of stripe rust to your local county extension personnel.
Cereal Leaf Beetle
Small Grains Eastern Idaho
Posted on: May 25, 2006 by Juliet Windes
Larvae of the Cereal Leaf Beetle were numerous in dryland winter wheat in the Weston area of Southeast Idaho. In some cases, five or more larvae were visible per plant. See the previous Alert posted by Kelly Tindall for recommended threshold levels for application of insecticides.
Stripe Rust
Small Grains Eastern Idaho
Posted on: May 25, 2006 by Juliet Windes
Stripe rust was first seen in the Weston area on Monday, the 22nd of May. It was confirmed today, May 25th, and samples were taken in irrigated Moreland, hard red winter wheat. No pustules were visible on dryland wheat (Utah 100). Although current levels were at about 5-10% leaf area affected, most of the plants had stippling and chlorotic areas indicating a severe infection was still latent. Additional information is available at http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/
Cherry Fruit Fly Forecasts
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: May 25, 2006 by Steven Reddy
According to the degree-day model from the Online Phenology and Degree-day Models published at the OSU Integrated Plant Protection Center Website, below are the forecasted dates for the Western Cherry Fruit Fly adult emergence and recommended spray dates.
These dates were determined using actual temperature data from these locations up to May 24 and forecasted temperatures thereafter. Chemical control should be applied before the eggs are laid.
Ben Simko, Program Manager
Pest Survey and Detection Program
Division of Plant Industries, ISDA
Western Cherry Fruit Fly Degree Day Accumulations 2006
Site Forecast First Forecast First
Adult Emergence Treatment @1060 DD
Boise May 21 June 1
Caldwell May 23 June 3
Emmett May 27 June 6
Nampa May 22 June 3
Payette May 20 May 31
Parma May 21 June 1
Cereal Leaf Beetle
Small Grains Magic Valley
Posted on: May 16, 2006 by Kelly Tindall
Cereal leaf beetle adults are emerging in the Magic Valley. Eggs in sufficient numbers to warrant treatment have been found in Twin Falls County. You should look for stripping of the leaves or adult activity when in the field. Adults are 1⁄4 to 3⁄8 inch, with a metallic blue head and wing covers. Behind the head (pronotum) is reddish and they have yellow-orange legs. Females lay yellowish to brownish colored, oval shaped eggs singly or in pairs and larvae begin to hatch 11 days after the eggs are laid. Larvae are yellow to yellow-brown with a dark mass of slimy fecal material on their backs. Both larvae and adults cause similar damage. Treat when there are three larvae or eggs per plant up to the boot stage. After boot, treat at one larva per flag leaf.
PCN Update
Potato All Locations
Posted on: May 15, 2006 by Jeff Miller
A new article on Best Management Practices for preventing the spread of soilborne pests such as the potato cyst nematode (PCN) has been prepared by the University of Idaho. The bulletin can be found at:
http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/potatopath/alerts/pcn.html
Here is the most recent update on the PCN situation:
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Stakeholder Update
(5/15/06)
SITUATION SUMMARY
On April 19, 2006 officials of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, a major pest of potato crops. This is the first detection of the pest in the United States. The microscopic nematodes pose no threat to human health and never actually enter the tuber, but can reduce the yield of potatoes through root damage. There is no evidence that the quality or yield of potatoes grown in Idaho has been affected. APHIS and ISDA are implementing actions to determine if the pest is distributed in fields in Idaho and, if so, prevent movement of PCN to uninfested areas. Officials are working cooperatively with Extension Service and the potato industry to provide Best Management Practices to deal with potato pest issues.
Updates:
A mechanical wheel sampler has arrived in Idaho. This will allow ISDA and AHPIS scientists to continue to collect soil samples from fields more efficiently, and use fewer surveyors. The sampler is used as a tractor implement run across a field filling soil sample bags mounted on the implement. The sampler is based on designs used for the Golden Cyst Nematode in New York. The sampler and tractor must be thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure washer before it can be moved from field to field. This procedure is in place to prevent inadvertent movement of any soil-borne pests. The first run of Idaho’s new mechanical wheel sampler took place on a seed potato field in southern Idaho last week. Pictures of the sampler are available from ISDA Public Information Officer Wayne Hoffman. Email whoffman@idahoag.us.
To date, soil samples collected total more than 2,500 in the survey that began as a result of the PCN detection. This is in addition to the 3,000 soil samples collected since last August as part of the original detection survey. Samples sent to labs have yielded no additional potato cyst nematodes. Only the original sample of tare dirt taken at an Idaho potato grading station has produced potato cyst nematodes. Other types of cysts, commonly associated with cereal crops, have been detected, but these are ordinary detections of non-quarantine pests.
ISDA and APHIS investigators continue to trace back possible sources of the potato cyst nematode, under an assumption that the PCN may have come from a potato field in Idaho. However, so far we have no conclusive evidence that this is the case. We are also exploring the possibility that the cysts may have been conveyed via machinery, clothing, wind, wildlife, or other means. All of these possibilities are under review by ISDA and APHIS scientists. Because of the possibility that the PCN did originate with an Idaho potato field, ISDA and APHIS continues to explore seed sources, but so far, that search has only yielded negative results.
A team of scientists recently discussed the potato cyst nematode situation in Idaho, and generally agreed with the steps being taken by ISDA and APHIS. The group also agreed that USDA’s potato cyst nematode identification data should be independently reviewed by a third party, as many nematodes have similar physical characteristics.
REGULATION
APHIS emergency action notifications (EANS) and ISDA restrictions have been imposed at suspect sites. These state and federal actions restrict the movement of soil, plants, plant material and farm equipment which may have been exposed to the potato cyst nematode and they are intended to prevent the introduction and dissemination of the pest. To date, these restrictions have been imposed in Bingham, Bonneville, and Jefferson counties, but they are limited to only seven sites which include fields, cellars and potato handling facilities. Previously restricted fresh packed product has been released to move in commerce. Potatoes and potato product are moving normally in domestic commerce.
PERSONNEL
Approximately 30 APHIS and ISDA personnel are currently working on the cooperative control program.
TRADE
Trading partners have reacted in various ways to the detection of PCN.
Japan has suspended all potato imports from the U.S.
Canada, Korea, and Mexico suspended potato shipments from the State of Idaho.
Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore have asked for information, but have taken no action to suspend potato imports from the United States.
lygus bug
Alfalfa Seed Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: May 12, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld
The current forecast is for the 1st and 2nd instar lygus number to peak on 16 May. Warm weather this weekend may move that up a bit. At any rate, next week would be a good time to start lygus monitoring activities. The threshold for lygus is 4-6 large lygus bugs (4th and 5th instars plus adults) per 180 degree sweep. Treatment options can be found in the printed or online (http://pnwpest.org/pnw/insects) editions of the PNW Insect Management Handbook.
Onion Root Maggot
Onion Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: May 12, 2006 by Steven Reddy
Poor germination and slow emergence of onions has been widespread in Washington County. There are probably several potential causes; however, onion root maggot has been identified and treated in an onion field east of Weiser. Our cool, moist spring has created ideal conditions for onion root maggot damage. Growers might want to take a second look at problem areas to see if onion maggot is involved.
