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Tomato potato psyllid info
The tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is a pest attacking tomatoes and capsicums (both indoors and outdoors) and potatoes in New Zealand and can cause a reduction in fruit yield and quality. The nymphs cause plant damage but adults also feed on the plants. While feeding, the tomato potato psyllid (TPP) nymphs inject toxic saliva into the plant, causing the condition known as "psyllid yellows” in potatoes and tomatoes. In capsicums young plants can be severely damaged by direct feeding of the nymphs. The TPP was first identified in an Auckland greenhouse tomato crop in April 2006. TPP is now an established pest in New Zealand (see distribution map below). Beside New Zealand, TPP is found in the USA, Northern Mexico and Southern Canada.
We at Crop and Food Research, in co-operation with Horticulture New Zealand, supported through a MAF Sustainable Farming Fund, are tracking the spread of TPP. The initial infestation appeared to be localised in the Auckland area, but TPP has recently been established as far south as Nelson. Adult psyllids are considered strong fliers, although they can be dispersed by the wind. They are likely to disperse from outdoor crops when the plants are no longer a suitable resource for food or egg laying. TPP are also likely to be spread by the transportation of plant material.
 What to look for in the crop.
Main characteristics to distinguish Bactericera cockerelli from other psyllids in New Zealand. (PDF file - 418 KB)
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Any additional information on the psyllid, its impact and damage to crops and management options can be found on the Biosecurity NZ website.
If you suspect you have found this pest on your crops outside of the known distribution you should contact Mette Nielsen, entomologist, at Plant & Food Research.
Current distribution of TPP - from grower information and survey.
Information was last added on 24 April 2009.
Click on the map to see regions in more detail. This work has been done under the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund.
Reported psyllid distribution
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Surveyed - not found |
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Surveyed - found |
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