Psyllid, new pest that threatens potato crops in Peru

Fresh Common Potato

Vegetables

Peru

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Published Dec 18, 2023

Tridge summary

The psyllid pest, Bactericera cockerelli, has been detected in several regions of northern Peru, posing a threat to potato and other nightshade crops. It is believed to have arrived in Peru through illegal exchange of plant material from Ecuador and may be influenced by climate change. The International Potato Center (CIP) is conducting experiments to evaluate resistance, biological and chemical control, and natural enemies for biological control, as well as developing diagnostic methods for the diseases transmitted by the potato psyllid. The CIP is coordinating with various research centers in Peru, Ecuador, and other countries affected by the pest to strengthen institutional capacities and improve detection methods.

Disclaimer: The above summary was generated by a state-of-the-art LLM model and is intended for informational purposes only. It is recommended that readers refer to the original article for more context.

Original content

The psyllid pest, known as Bactericera cockerelli, is present in Piura, Tumbes and Cajamarca; its spread could have permanent consequences in the potato-producing regions of the country, according to the Mg. Sc. Heidy Gamarra Yáñez, associate researcher at the International Potato Center. ꟷ Is it true that a new pest that affects potatoes and other nightshades has been detected in various regions of northern Peru? ꟷ Yes, it's true. This is the potato psyllid pest, known as Bactericera cockerelli. This insect was reported by the National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) in December 2021, with the first findings in the province of Huancabamba, Piura. In monitoring carried out by Senasa and the International Potato Center (CIP), incursions of the psyllid have been found in new areas within the regions of Tumbes and Cajamarca [specifically in the areas of Cajabamba, Chota, Cutervo and Jaén], affecting to crops such as potato, tomato, cucumber, chili and pepper, as well as ...

Source: AgroPeru