Field evaluation of the effectiveness of mesh crop covers for the protection of potatoes from tomato potato psyllid

Tomato potato psyllid (TPP; Bactericera cockerelli) is a serious pest of solanaceous crops in New Zealand. Control of TPP is currently dominated by synthetic biocides, although this method is curative and does not always prevent transmission of TPP-vectored plant diseases. This study evaluated mesh crop covers as non-chemical alternatives for controlling TPP in potato crops. Over two growing seasons in Canterbury, New Zealand, potatoes growing under mesh covers were found to have reduced numbers of TPP nymphs and adults, increased tuber size, increased overall yield and enhanced storage potential compared with uncovered plots. There was also a slight reduction in potato blight spores under mesh, and the actual occurrence of blight was slightly reduced in one trial. The results of this study indicate that mesh crop covers could provide a viable option for potato growers who wish to protect their crops from TPP without using chemical insecticides.

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