Psyllid
Controlling psyllid
Spraying: Unfortunately, the potato psyllid is a difficult pest to control. Spraying can be reasonably effective but it's essential to cover all parts of the plant thoroughly with spray. This can be difficult because potato plants have dense foliage later in the growing season. If you do spray, remember to follow all aspects of Good Agricultural Practice, including spraying guidelines ensuring you don't spray too close to harvesting time. Also, make sure you follow resistance management guidelines to prevent psyllid becoming resistant to the sprays.
Weeds: Another control is to keep down or eradicate other plants that are alternative hosts to psyllid. These include common weeds such as dandelion, amaranth, convolulus, jimson weed, mallow, and black nightshade. Ornamental solanaceous plants are also potential hosts, and so is the native plant poroporo. Removing these plants from around your potatoes may reduce the likelihood of psyllid.
For some guidance on psyllid control strategies:
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November 2009 psyllid fact sheet - control options insert (PDF)
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Psyllid research update and control options (September 2009 workshop presentation) (PDF)
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Psyllid control and management options (September 2009 workshop presentation) (PDF)
