Trap Catches July 03, 2026.

Our trapping networks are starting to return samples and numbers of aphid vectors per location remain low at this stage. However, weather fronts passing through the region, increasing temperatures and growing canopies will likely result in higher numbers over the next several weeks.

Soybean aphids were recovered at a couple of locations. Although their vector efficiency (the measure of how successfully they transmit PVY virus when compared to Green Peach Aphid) is relatively low compared to many other species, their high populations and tendency to move in high numbers means they are a very important vector of PVY in the North Central plains.   

The usual reminders:

- vector flights have started, so start scouting; aphids can establish early after potatoes are up. Field scouting is less effective at finding aphd vector species that don't colonize potatoes. While these species will enter potato fields and probe plants, they cannot survive on potatoes. Consequently, they'll keep moving through the field, sampling more plants and potentially moving inoculum already in the field to uninfected plants. Consult risk assesment sites (like this one) and check weather-based predicitve models like University of Wisconsin's Vegetable Disease & Insect Forecasting site (https://agweather.cals.wisc.edu/vdifn).

- the research literature reports that the use of crop oils is the most consistent post-planting technique in preventing transmission of PVY and it can be improved with the addition of the insecticide Lambda-Cyhalothrin.

- most of the research indicates that insecticides on their own are not effective enough at suppressing PVY transmission, but are still useful parts of your management program. Treating fields with one of the anti-feeding insecticides such as Sivanto Prime, Sefina or Transform to control colonizing aphids, such as green peach, potato, or cotton melon aphids, can be beneficial

- if using a border crop, it's a good idea to use treated seed to prevent the development of potential vector species in that border.

Happy 4th and have a great upcoming week.

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/03/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/03/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 6/27/2025

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 7/03/2026