A Predictive Degree Day Model for the Development ofBactericera cockerelli(Hemiptera: Triozidae) InfestingSolanum tuberosum

Abstract

Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) that vectors the bacterium that putatively causes zebra chip disease in potatoes, 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum.' Zebra chip disease is managed by controlling populations of B. cockerelli in commercial potato fields. Lacking an integrated pest management strategy, growers have resorted to an intensive chemical control program that may be leading to insecticide-resistant B. cockerelli populations in south Texas and Mexico. To initiate the development of an integrated approach of controlling B. cockerelli, we used constant temperature studies, nonlinear and linear modeling, and field sampling data to determine and validate the degree day parameters for development of B. cockerelli infesting potato. Degree day model predictions for three different B. cockerelli life stages were tested against data collected from pesticide-free plots. The model was most accurate at predicting egg-to-egg and nymph-to-nymph peaks, with less accuracy in predicting adult-to-adult peaks. It is impractical to predict first occurrence of B. cockerelli in potato plantings as adults are present as soon cotyledons break through the soil. Therefore, we suggest integrating the degree day model into current B. cockerelli management practices using a two-phase method. Phase 1 occurs from potato planting through to the first peak in a B. cockerelli field population, which is managed using current practices. Phase 2 begins with the first B. cockerelli population peak and the degree day model is initiated to predict the subsequent population peaks, thus providing growers a tool to proactively manage this pest.

Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae), and Zebra Chip Disease in Potato

“…The optimum temperature for survival and development of potato psyllids has been estimated to be between approximately 24°C and 27°C but varies depending on factors such as psyllid life stage and host plant (67,93,133). The lower developmental threshold has been estimated to range from approximately 4°C to 8°C (67,133).…”

“…The optimum temperature for survival and development of potato psyllids has been estimated to be between approximately 24°C and 27°C but varies depending on factors such as psyllid life stage and host plant (67,93,133). The lower developmental threshold has been estimated to range from approximately 4°C to 8°C (67,133). As temperatures exceed 30°C, oviposition, egg hatching, and survival decrease substantively, with some variation among studies existing in the intensity of effects (67,93,133).…”

“…The lower developmental threshold has been estimated to range from approximately 4°C to 8°C (67,133). As temperatures exceed 30°C, oviposition, egg hatching, and survival decrease substantively, with some variation among studies existing in the intensity of effects (67,93,133).…”

Tomato Potato Psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Australia: Incursion, Potential Impact and Opportunities for Biological Control

“…Adults have well-developed wings and legs, are good fliers, and jump readily when disturbed [ 1 , 17 , 18 ]. The optimum temperature for reproduction and development is 24–27 °C, while temperatures above 31 °C may cause death [ 19 , 20 ]. Henne et al [ 21 ] reported that both B. cockerelli nymphs and adults are cold tolerant: nymphs survived at −15 °C for 24 h, and 50% of adults survived at −10 °C for 24 h. However, the development and survival of B. cockerelli are impacted by the identity of the host plant [ 22 ].…”

Seasonal Occurrence of Potato Psyllid (Bactericera Cockerelli) and Risk of Zebra Chip Pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum) in Northwestern New Mexico

“…Wenninger et al [21] also correlated the population abundance of adults B. cockerelli with the accumulated thermal unit and found the population peak at 1775 • C in late August in the Treasure Valley and at 1498 • C in the Magic Valley in Idaho. Lewis et al [34] suggested integrating accumulated thermal units into the management and control of B. cockerelli and proposed a model that integrates thermal unit to simulate the development of potato psyllid infestation.…”