Tomato potato psyllid (TPP) has been detected in a protected tomato cropping facility in the southwest of Victoria, which is the first detection in Australia outside of Western Australia.
There has been a confirmed detection of tomato potato psyllid (TPP; Bactericera cockerelli) in a glasshouse in Victoria's southwest region, which is the first detection outside of Western Australia. Surveillance in the vicinity of the glasshouse has detected TPP at a number of locations within 1.5 km of the glasshouse. This represents a significant extension of the geographic range for this pest.
Testing of the insects and plant material has shown no evidence of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), which causes Zebra chip in potatoes. Therefore, Australia remains free of CLso. Agriculture Victoria is working with the business and stakeholders to ensure the pest is managed effectively.
There have been no detections in any other traps in place across the state to date.
Information about the pest
TPP is a tiny sap-sucking, winged insect that has a large host range and preference for feeding on solanaceous plants, including tomato, potato, capsicum, chili and eggplant. TPP is present in other countries including the USA, Central America, and New Zealand, and was first detected in Western Australia in 2017.
TPP causes minor impacts on crops, weakening the plant through feeding activities. The greatest impacts of TPP come from its ability to vector CLso (not present in Australia). CLso can impact the health of plants and make produce unsalable.
TPP can spread through the movement of host plant material and disperse through natural pathways, such as flight, wind, and as a hitchhiker on plant material and equipment. It is important to maintain good hygiene practices when entering or exiting infested properties and ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned following use.
Pre-harvest control options are available to assist commercial growers with the management of TPP, including chemical control and Integrated Pest Management.
Further information on TPP can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website here.
Removing suspected TPP
TPP is current an exotic pest under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010. If you suspect TPP may be present on your property, you must notify Agriculture Victoria by either emailing via [email protected]/reportpestsonline or lodging a report online via the link here.
Source: Agriculture Victoria