​​​Helping Growers Manage Potato Psyllids & Zebra Chip in the Columbia Basin of Washington State​

April 2017 | 25 min., 46 sec.
by Carrie H. Wohleb
Washington State University

Summary

​This presentation explains efforts to help the Washington potato industry manage potato psyllids and zebra chip disease. It describes a regional insect-monitoring program and pest alert system in the Columbia Basin of the state. Viewers from all potato-growing regions will learn more about zebra chip disease and its vector, the potato psyllid, including (1) psyllid life stages and how each can be monitored in potato fields; (2) how zebra chip is spread by psyllids; and (3) psyllid yellows disorder, caused by potato psyllid nymph feeding. This presentation includes a review of zebra chip incidence in the Columbia Basin in the 6 years since it was first detected in the region. It also explains what has been learned about psyllid overwintering in the region and seasonal dispersal. Insecticide recommendations are described for managing potato psyllids and zebra chip in the Columbia Basin.

About the Presenter

Carrie H. WohlebCarrie H. Wohleb is an Associate Professor and Regional Potato and Vegetable Specialist with Washington State University (WSU). She works out of the WSU Grant–Adams Area Extension office in Moses Lake, Washington. Her research and Extension efforts are aimed at improving the profitability, productivity, and sustainability of farms in the irrigated portions of the Columbia Basin. Her primary areas of interest are (1) pest monitoring and improving integrated pest management and (2) developing decision support tools and educational materials for potato and vegetable producers. Carrie earned a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of Washington and master’s and doctorate degrees in horticulture from WSU, where she studied potato physiology and potato agronomy. She worked as an agronomist on a potato farm for 8 years before returning to Washington State University in 2008.​

Contact Information:
Email: cwohleb@wsu.edu

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