Researchers discussed new chemicals and aphids at potato-pest-management field day.
The Agriculture Development Group Inc, in cooperation with the Washington State Potato Commission and several chemical companies held the Give us Data or Quit Talking potato-pest-management field day Aug. 2 at the ADG research farm near Pasco, WA.
Researchers and chemical company representatives talked to growers about new chemicals to control pests including green peach aphids, weeds and fungus. They also discussed registration schedules.
The group talked about current aphid pressure in the West as well. Researchers said aphid pressure is lower this year than previous years, which is not what they expected because of last year's mild winter.
They offered one possible solution that predatory-insect populations flourished last year and have impacted current aphid populations.