09/23/08 Aphid detection, part two

Sanford Eigenbrode of the University of Idaho is using a USDA grant to conduct a four year study on aphids, the viruses they carry and their impacts on Palouse lentil and pea fields. He's put out more traps to collect aphids and look for virus infection. EIGENBRODE "Since the network is distributed over the landscape we now have 25 sites is looking for recurrent patterns in which certain parts of the Palouse seem to be having a higher incidence of virus." But the aphids weren't a problem this year and '07 was a light year, thus giving researchers a good look at very low infestation and crop damage. Eigenbrode thinks the aphids survive the winter in the Columbia Basin's warmer areas then move on the spring winds. The first tiny green arrivals each spring usually don't carry a virus. EIGENBRODE "Later on in late May and early June is when we start to detect virus in the aphids. A high proportion of infectious aphids early in the season should be indicative of a need to treat." He believes that after five summers of data collection they'll be able to establish levels for virus risk early each season. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott