Crop diversity and sampling method impact observed distributions of potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) and the larger insect community

The potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Sûlc, 1909) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is an agricultural pest that has been reported on over 20 families of plants. In potatoes, Solanum tuberosum L., the psyllid can cause feeding damage, but more importantly it can transmit a bacterium "Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum," which causes Zebra Chip disease. Tubers affected by the disease are unacceptable for sale or consumption. There are anecdotic reports of this insect in other crops such as wheat and corn, but it is hypothesized that the insect’s presence in these crops is due to the insect locating and feeding on volunteer potatoes - potatoes that exhibit weed-like qualities when growing out of place. Conflicting information also exists on the most accurate and precise method for sampling potato psyllids, and other insects, that occur in Columbia Basin crops.  Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) compare the effects of multiple crops planted in a controlled landscape on the collection rate of potato psyllids and other members of the insect community and, 2) to compare the collection rate between two sampling methods: yellow sticky cards and inverted leaf blowers. Thus, five crop treatments: potatoes, corn, wheat, and volunteer potatoes planted in combination with either corn or wheat, were arranged in a Latin square design. Adult psyllids and other key members of the region's insect community were collected. The effects of crop treatment, sampling method, and their interactions will be presented.