09/22/08 Aphid detection

Idaho and eastern Washington pea and lentil producers now have warning system to tell hem of the risk of viral disease from aphids. University of Idaho entomologist Sanford Eigenbrode pioneered the detection network two years ago after Palouse growers suffered legume crop damage in 1996, 1998 and 2005. EIGENBRODE "We've been monitoring since the 2005 outbreak and there have been very low levels of virus in the pea crop and very low levels of virus in the aphids. Since the virus does come from somewhere else probably to the west of the Palouse we are testing the idea that when the aphids come in with heavy virus then we'll also see that in the crop." Eigenbrode says there are three major viruses that could cut crop yields. EIGENBRODE "Pea enation mosaic virus and bean leaf roll virus. Pea streak virus is a third virus that we rarely find but it can be quite destructive." Working with Washington State University colleagues the project was expanded to four years thanks to a 1.25 million dollar USDA grant. They'll also try to solve the mystery. More to the story tomorrow. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott