Identifying predators of the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), in non-crop host plants using molecular techniques

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

2:42 PM – 2:54 PM PT

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Meeting Room 207

Presenting Author(s)

BO

Bonnie Ohler (she/her/hers)

Research Associate
Washington State University
Wapato, Washington

Co-Author(s)

CR

Cesar Reyes Corral

Washington State University
Wenatchee, Washington
DH

David Horton

Research Etnomologist
USDA-ARS
Wapato, Washington
TW

Timothy Waters

Washington State University
Pasco, Washington
Rodney Cooper

Research Leader/Research Entomologist
USDA-ARS
Wapato, Washington

The potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc)) is an important pest of solanaceous crops, especially potato where it can transmit the pathogen causing zebra chip disease (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum). Non-crop plants have been previously identified as alternate hosts of potato psyllids in Eastern Washington. Season long surveys were conducted of potato psyllids and predator arthropods in these host plant species. The predators were analyzed using RT-PCR to determine if they had consumed potato psyllids. Several generalist predator taxa were identified as important predators of the potato psyllid, including species of Heteroptera, Coleoptera, predatory mites, and a diverse assortment of spiders while other predator taxa were shown to be less important with few to no individuals testing positive for potato psyllid DNA.