Trap Catches to August 21, 2026.

Another big jump in aphid vector numbers this week, driven mostly by a large and widespread flight of soybean aphids. The total number of vector species of aphids captured across all locations almost doubled, jumping to 1875 from last week's 983, the largest portion of which was comprised of 1158 soybean aphids. Average trap captures 47.8 vectors/trap to 93.8 vectors/trap; the average trap capture of soybean aphids more than tripled (rising to 77 soybean aphids/ trap from last week's 21.8/trap). The average PVY Vector Risk Index rose this week from 7.4/location to 11.3/location; the increase in PVY Vector Risk Index at individual locations was highly variable. Our regional aphid numbers and PVY Vector Risk Index values are now approximately 3 times those of our 2013-2025 averages. While we may have started the season a bit more slowly, 2026 has developed into a high PVY vector year.

Green peach aphid numbers are higher this week, with GPA being recovered at 3 new locations. Cereal aphid numbers are continuing to rise. In fact, the numbers of most of the vector species recovered in most traps increased this week. While we tend to focus on the green peach aphid, it isn’t always the species driving the risk of PVY transmission.  At this time, the high number and wide distribution of other vector species (especially soybean aphid) over the past two weeks is having the greatest impact on the risk of PVY transmission

 Our rapid increase in aphid numbers may be the result of our temperatures dropping back to a level more conducive to aphid reproduction in combination with the localized lack of precipitation in many areas in MN & ND. The decrease in average daily temperature certainly would have increased aphid reproductive rates. And the lack of precipitation may have significantly decreased the amount of mortality from fungal pathogens, an important factor limiting aphid populations in most years.

Bottom line is, we’re not out of the woods yet. The appearance of green peach aphid and the continuing numbers of potato aphid also mean that table and processing fields are at risk as well. Scouting is definitely recommended. Also, for seed fields that have not vie killed, appropriate management should be continued.

The usual reminders:

- vector flights are getting heavy, so continue scouting; aphids can establish early after potatoes are up. Field scouting is less effective at finding aphid 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 and to include the border plants when applying foliar insecticides in the field.

Have a great week and keep on scouting!

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/14/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/15/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 8/14/2026

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 8/14/2026

 Trap Catches to August 07, 2026.

Aphid numbers took another jump this past week. Average aphid captures per trap across the region were up by approximately 30% from last week. This year we're seeing more diversity of vector species than last year but we still haven't recovered green peach aphid at any location (although a possible population was reported from a field in central MN). Nevertheless, we are catching a wide variety of vector species that are effective vectors, and catching some less effective vectors in high enough numbers that they still made a significant contribution to the PVY Vector Risk Index values.  We continue to eclipse the potential risk levels we saw at this time last year. And August is when we see our aphid captures increase until they peak in late August/early September.

Soybean aphid was, by far, the most numerous vector captured this week accounting for more than half of the total regional capture. It is widely distributed and was recovered at every reporting trap location. Several locations received large flights with one trap capturing more than 100 aphids. Even though soybean aphid is not a highly efficient vector, when we get flights like this, it becomes a numbers game. By sheer size of population, I suspect soybean aphid has become one of the most important vectors of virus diseases to potato in the region. 

While almost every vector we monitor was represented somewhere in the trapping network this week, small grain aphids continued to increase, with all three species being well represented. Buckthorn and cotton/melon aphids were both numerous and well distributed and numerous species of non-vector species were recovered from several locations.

Bottom line, there are a lot of aphids flying out there right now. Some fields are going to be vine-killed shortly, some locations have already started. For those fields that are still growing, an entomologist out west working in a system with similar concerns about aphid-borne disease once said, 'if it's green, by an aphid it'll be seen'. In other words, continue appropriate management until vine kill...  

 The usual reminders:

- vector flights are getting heavy, so continue scouting; aphids can establish early after potatoes are up. Field scouting is less effective at finding aphid 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 and to include the border plants when applying foliar insecticides in the field.

Have a great week and keep on scouting!

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/07/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/01/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 8/07/2026

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 8/07/2026

Trap Catches to July 31, 2026.

Aphid numbers took a huge jump in the past week. Aphid counts are up across the region with grain aphids leaving maturing wheat fields and soybean aphids starting their late July/early August dispersal flights. Regional PVY Vector Risk Index values have jumped with the populations and are now higher than at this point last year.  The increase occurred across the  trapping network with average captures per trap increasing at almost all locations reporting this week. This has resulted in an increase in average PVY Vector risk at all locations.   

We saw an increase in almost all vector species. The numbers of the 3 small grain aphid vectors most common to our area (bird-cherry oat, corn leaf and English grain aphids) increased at almost all trap locations. Other vector species such as cotton-melon and buckthorn aphids also saw a significant increase. Soybean aphids were by far the most numerous species at all locations, with some sites suffering very large flights this past week. Large soybean aphid flights are not unusual in MN and ND in late July and early August and are sometimes part of our late season PVY epidemiology. 

With much higher numbers of vectors present this week remember to scout and use appropriate management tactics.

 The usual reminders:

- vector flights have started, so continue scouting; aphids can establish early after potatoes are up. Field scouting is less effective at finding aphid 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 and to include the border plants when applying foliar insecticides in the field.

Have a great week and keep on scouting!

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/31/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/01/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 7/31/2026

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 7/31/2026

  Trap Catches to July 24, 2026.

Aphid vector numbers remain behind those of last year as does the PY Vector Risk Index. Average capture per trap was similar to that of the previous week (1.7 vectors/trap vs 2.2 vectors/trap last week) but the total number of vectors captured across the region has increased slightly. This reflects aphids being captured at more locations, albeit still at low numbers. 

Soybean aphids remain relatively common, being collected at most locations. Small grain aphids are beginning to become more common and Buckthorn aphids remain steady.

Expect more small grain aphids as the season progresses. While the return of high temperatures during the day may decrease reproduction rates, our night temperatures will be within good reproduction temperatures.

While trap numbers are low, aphid vectors are flying. Use appropriate management tactics.

Keep on Scouting.

 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.

Have a great week and keep on scouting!

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/24/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/25/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 7/24/2026

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 7/24/2026

 

Trap Catches to July 17, 2026.

Aphid vector numbers continue to rise slowly but we remain far behind last year's populations. While the average number of vector species recovered from traps was up by 50% this week (2.2/trap this week vs 1.5/trap last week), the low numbers means that isn't yet a large increase. So vector aphid counts and the PVY Vector Risk Index remain relatively low. As a reminder, by July 18 last year, we had already recovered Green Peach Aphid from a number of locations and that species has not yet been collected this year. Soybean aphid numbers remain close to last year’s but we have yet to see a lot of movement from small grain aphids moving into potato fields. Potato and Pea aphids were both recovered from multiple locations, as were Buckthorn aphids.

Please keep in mind, this does not mean these low numbers will persist (yes, I know, I know... pest management is always doooom and gloooom!). Recent temperatures and weather conditions have not been optimal for aphid reproduction, which probably contributed to our low trap numbers. 

Aphid vectors are flying, temperatures across the region are edging back down which will facilitate higher rates of aphid reproduction, and there's certainly time left in the season.  Bottom line, keep scouting and using appropriate management tactics.   

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.

Have a great week and keep on scouting!

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/17/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/11/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 7/17/2026

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 7/17/2026

  

Trap Catches to July 10, 2026.

More traps are starting to respond this week. We've had some technical difficulties, but we're sorting that out as we go. Apologies for this report being late, I've been out sick since last Thursday but am slowly on the mend. 

 The average number of vectors per trap doubled over last week (1.14/trap this week and ~0.5/trap last week) so the vector counts remain low. We are behind last year's populations at this date but we also have fewer traps responding so far. We'll get a better picture as more traps come online.

As far as species are concerned, English Grain and Soybean aphids were the most numerous species recovered. The average number of non-vector species also rose over the previous week. So we are staring to see the aphid populations build, pretty much on schedule... 

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 7/10/2026

For Comparison, Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 7/11/2025 

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 7/10/2026

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 7/10/2026

 

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

 

Trap Catches June 26, 2026.

It's been  a slow start to the aphid trapping season. It's been a slow start to the aphid trapping season. With 5 sites reporting since mid-June, aphid vectors have been recovered at 4 locations. Aphids have started flying and so it's time to start scouting. Vector species were limited but included soybean, cotton-melon, pea and cotton-melon aphids. There were a few non-vector species recovered, but aphid captures / trap remain low.  Still, vector species are flying, so start scouting and checking the trap and predictive data.

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 scouting and have a great upcoming week.

Click on any image below for full-scale version.

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

 Trap Catches to September 12, 2025. 

With vine killing occurring throughout the region, only 8 traps reported this week. Average numbers per trap were well down (~1/3 of the last trapping period); it seems the September population crash is underway. While most species were represented across the region, average capture of all species was down. Vector species were still recovered however.
Green peach aphid was recovered at one location, soybean and buckthorn aphids were the most numerous species recovered across the region. Several other species were present at various locations. The colder nights are, however, likely decreasing activity and numbers are anticipated to decrease through the next couple of weeks. 
Have a great week, and hope your harvest is going well!

PVY Vector Risk Index - The ability of an aphid to transmit a virus is referred to as its vector efficiency, these values can be compared across species as a relative efficiency factor (also called the REF). Because data indicate it is the most efficient aphid species in transmitting PVY, green peach aphid's REF is set as 1, with other species' REF being calculated on their comparison to green peach aphid. E.g. soybean aphid has been found to be approximately 10% as efficient at transmitting PVY as is green peach aphid, so soybean aphid is assigned a REF of 0.1.  The PVY Vector Risk Index is a reflection of the comparative ability of the different aphid species to transmit PVY to plants. By multiplying the number of a species caught by its REF, we can estimate the risk from the total vectors captured, adjusted by the ability to transmit virus.

The usual reminders:
- keep scouting; aphids can establish early after potatoes are up. Field scouting is less effective at finding aphid vector species that don't colonize potatoes. While these species will enter potato fields and probe plants, they can't survive on potatoes, consequently they'll keep moving through the field, sampling additional plants and spreading inoculum in the field. Remember to check predictive sites like this one and University of Wisconsin's weather based Vegetable Disease & Insect Forecasting site,(https://agweather.cals.wisc.edu/vdifn) which uses current weather data and historical populations as a predictor of current aphid vector populations. These will give you a better idea of the potential presence of non-colonizing aphids. 
- 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 usually not effective enough at suppressing PVY transmission, but are still very useful parts of your management program. Treating fields with one of the anti-feeding insecticides (e.g. Sivanto Prime, Sefina, Transform, Fulfill or Beleaf) to control colonizing aphids, such as green peach, potato, or cotton melon aphids, can be beneficial in decreasing movement of PVY inoculum within fields
- aphids preferentially first colonize fields at the edge. Using border crops in the headlands may decrease aphid colonization. But 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.  Also, include those border crops when treating the field for colonizing aphids!
 Happy scouting and have a great weekend!

Click on any image below for larger-scale version.

The average regional PVY Vector capture and Cumulative PVY Vector Risk Index by week for 2025. 

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/29/2025

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 8/29/2025

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 8/29/2025

 Trap Catches to September 05, 2025. 

With 13 of 22 sites reporting, aphid numbers were up from our last report. Approximately 30% increase in the total capture of vector species and, averaged over the fewer traps reporting, a 50% increase in vector capture per trap location. Similar increases were seen in non-vector species, so aphid flight increased definitely had an upturn during the last trapping period. The continuing captures of green peach aphids resulted in another jump in both the total cumulative and regional average PVY Vector Risk Index. 

Average green peach aphid captures per trap were similar to last week's and The Queen Of Vector Aphids remains well represented across the region. This late season appearance is very concerning and presents a risk to any field not yet vine killed. While most of our PVY transmission likely occurs later in the season when aphid flights peak, numbers of green peach aphids at this time are especially concerning.

Soybean aphid numbers were recovered at almost every location and the number per location rose. Cotton melon, buckthorn and thistle aphids were well represented and their numbers were all higher as well. 

Historically, our numbers tend to crop the first or second week of September, and we had some colder nights this current week. Hopefully this will soon result in the development of winged generations that will leave the summer hosts. In the meantime, vector numbers remain high, so in those fields that are still green, take appropriate scouting and management steps. 

Have a great weekend, and keep scouting!

PVY Vector Risk Index - The ability of an aphid to transmit a virus is referred to as its vector efficiency, these values can be compared across species as a relative efficiency factor (also called the REF). Because data indicate it is the most efficient aphid species in transmitting PVY, green peach aphid's REF is set as 1, with other species' REF being calculated on their comparison to green peach aphid. E.g. soybean aphid has been found to be approximately 10% as efficient at transmitting PVY as is green peach aphid, so soybean aphid is assigned a REF of 0.1.  The PVY Vector Risk Index is a reflection of the comparative ability of the different aphid species to transmit PVY to plants. By multiplying the number of a species caught by its REF, we can estimate the risk from the total vectors captured, adjusted by the ability to transmit virus.

The usual reminders:
- keep scouting; aphids can establish early after potatoes are up. Field scouting is less effective at finding aphid vector species that don't colonize potatoes. While these species will enter potato fields and probe plants, they can't survive on potatoes, consequently they'll keep moving through the field, sampling additional plants and spreading inoculum in the field. Remember to check predictive sites like this one and University of Wisconsin's weather based Vegetable Disease & Insect Forecasting site,(https://agweather.cals.wisc.edu/vdifn) which uses current weather data and historical populations as a predictor of current aphid vector populations. These will give you a better idea of the potential presence of non-colonizing aphids. 
- 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 usually not effective enough at suppressing PVY transmission, but are still very useful parts of your management program. Treating fields with one of the anti-feeding insecticides (e.g. Sivanto Prime, Sefina, Transform, Fulfill or Beleaf) to control colonizing aphids, such as green peach, potato, or cotton melon aphids, can be beneficial in decreasing movement of PVY inoculum within fields
- aphids preferentially first colonize fields at the edge. Using border crops in the headlands may decrease aphid colonization. But 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.  Also, include those border crops when treating the field for colonizing aphids!
 Happy scouting and have a great weekend!

Click on any image below for larger-scale version.

The average regional PVY Vector capture and Cumulative PVY Vector Risk Index by week for 2025. 

Cumulative PVY Risk Index by Site to 8/29/2025

Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index for the week ending 8/29/2025

Cumulative Aphid Species Capture and PVY Vector Risk Index to 8/29/2025