First identifications of aphid and diamondback moth populations on wasabi in British Columbia

Citation

MacDonald JL, Maw E, Clarke P. 2017. First identifications of aphid and diamondback moth populations on wasabi in British Columbia. Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia 114: 93-96

Plain language summary

The high-value crop wasabi is an emerging industry in British Columbia. Most of the research globally on this crop is focussed on disease, and little attention is paid to the insect pests. Over a two year period, surveys of wasabi greenhouses in Agassiz, BC were carried out in order to identify potential insect pests of wasabi grown locally. We found two leaf aphids, a root aphid, and a diamondback moth species were potential pests and vectors of diseases of wasabi locally. This survey also is the first record of the poplar petiole-gall aphid in British Columbia.

Abstract

Wasabi is a highly valued crop in the Pacific Northwest where commercial production is increasing. To date, little attention has been paid to its invertebrate pests. Two wasabi polyhouses in Agassiz, BC, were monitored for insect pests for 15 months. Pemphigus populitransversus Riley (poplar petiole gall aphid) recurred annually in winter months on roots throughout the polyhouses. Lipaphis pseudobrassicae Davis (turnip aphid) infested the leaves of a large number of plants. Myzus persicae Sulzer (green peach aphid) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (potato aphid) were noted in very low numbers. Plutella xylostella Linnaeus (diamondback moth) caused shot-hole damage of the leaves. Further investigation into the role of insects as vectors and their role in pathogen pathways on this unique crop is needed.

Publication date

2017-12-01

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