Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/827853
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 33 "So, it appears that the secondary pests, thrips, may help support a resident population of minute pirate bugs that can suppress the primary pest, potato psyllid," Szczepaniec says. However, Szczepaniec did not encounter significant numbers of potato psyllids in the survey; therefore, the impact of these predators on psyllids could not be established. It is likely, though, that if minute pirate bugs were present, it would inhibit colonization and suppress numbers of the potato psyllid. "When the cumulative numbers of predators were examined over the sampling period, we noted relatively high initial numbers of lady beetles and minute pirate bugs that decreased in abundance immediately following a broad-spectrum insecticide that was applied to suppress grasshoppers," Szczepaniec says. "This trend is not surprising, and it validates our decision to survey potatoes in a field at our research farm that is not subject to an intense insecticide management program." Szczepaniec said while a transient influx of generalist predators can have an impact on pest suppression, the persistent presence of resident populations of generalist predators is key to effective biological control. "We know managing the potato psyllid and zebra chip disease will require a comprehensive and integrated approach going forward, and this research successfully establishes one class of insecticides as no longer effective in potato protection," she says. "Given the high incidence of the key psyllid predator, we believe integrating insecticide applications at lower intensity than weekly sprays with biological control releases may provide a viable option for psyllid suppression, especially when the proportion of psyllids transmitting the pathogen is very low." Szczepaniec admits that much research remains to be done in order to test the feasibility of this approach. The next most immediate research focus will be to identify whether populations of psyllids across Texas are resistant to any other frequently used insecticides. 162809Baicor13s.indd 1 10/25/16 2:58 PM 800.247.7335 www.DigCleanSpuds.com 656 WINDROWER Harvest at maximum capacity and minimize bruising with Lockwood Windrowers and Harvesters. All of the features you want in machines that you can count on. 166738CraInd13s.indd 1 4/21/17 12:15 PM