Project Updates

This week, two pea aphids were collected from winter peas at site 8 (Palaouse, WA), and one pea aphid was collected from spring peas at site 10 (Parker Farm, Moscow, ID). No aphids were observed in pan traps at the other winter or spring pea sites.

All the aphids collected from sites 8 and 10 were tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). 

This season has been mostly aphid-free so far! This week, NO pea aphid was detected at any of the aphid traps in winter or spring pea sites. This week's weather in our region was mostly mild (highs in the 70s), but it is predicted to get hotter (highs in the high 80s) next week. 

Virus tests on pea plants:

Last week, we collected pea plant samples (n =15 plants per field: 5 plants from each of 3 transects per site or field) from each of the winter and spring pea locations, for virus detection. No plants from any of the winter or spring pea sites were tested positive for either PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus) or BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus).  

Since pea aphids (known vectors of these viruses) have not been observed in our traps this year, it makes sense that the plant samples also tested negative. 

As in the last couple of weeks, no pea aphids were observed in any of the aphid traps at winter or spring pea sites this week. The weather in our region was cooler than last week, with daily high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 70s.  

Other insect pests observed in sweep net samples:

Last week, we conducted sweep net sampling (50 sweeps per site) at all winter and spring pea sites. Two insect pests dominated the collections: pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum), a major pest of peas, and thrips, which are considered minor pests. Both were found across nearly all sites.

Pea weevil counts (and their percent contribution to total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) were as follows: Site 1: 9 weevils (28%); Site 2: 0; Site 3: 10 (8%); Site 4: 0; Site 5: 2 (13%); Site 6: 2 (7%); Site 7: 3 (21%); Site 8: 1 (1%); Site 9: 6 (1%); Site 10: 67 (49%); Site 11: 155 (47%); Site 12: 194 (74%).

Pea weevil populations were significantly higher in spring peas compared to winter peas, likely because spring peas are now beginning to bloom, while winter peas are nearing the end of their bloom stage.

Where populations exceed the action threshold (~2 adults per 25 sweeps), lambda-cyhalothrin is being used for pea weevil management. Based on current sweep sampling, other pests are of lower concern.

Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) were absent from all sweep samples, consistent with what we observed in aphid traps.

Pea leaf weevils (Sitona lineatus) were rare. Only Site 1 and Site 11 had a single individual each; all other sites had zero. Unlike pea weevils, which attack peas during bloom, pea leaf weevils are active earlier in the season, feeding on pea seedlings. As a result, they are often rare in the sweep samples collected during pea bloom.

Although thrips are considered minor pests, their abundance was higher this year than in previous years, in most cases surpassing that of the pea weevil. 

We also recorded small numbers of other minor pests (e.g., plant bugs, hoppers, and various beetles) and beneficial insects (e.g., wasps, bees, flies, lady beetles, green lacewings, and damsel bugs). However, they were rare across most sites.

This week, no pea aphids were detected in any of the aphid traps at winter or spring pea sites. The weather in our region was warm to hot, with daily high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s. Both winter and spring peas are doing well so far, but aphids may still appear in the coming weeks. We have collected sweep samples (50 per field) from all 12 pea sites, and the results will be posted here next week.

This week, one pea aphid was collected from winter peas at site 1 (Parker Farm, Moscow, ID), and two pea aphids were collected from spring peas at site 10 (Parker Farm, Moscow, ID). No aphids were observed in pan traps at the other winter or spring pea sites.

All the aphids collected from sites 1 and 10 were tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). 

Starting next week, we will begin collecting sweep samples from winter and spring peas to assess other insect pests, such as pea weevils

This week, no pea aphids were detected in any of the aphid traps at winter or spring pea sites. The weather in our region was warmer, with highs ranging from the 70s to mid-80s. Both winter and spring peas are doing well so far, but aphids may still appear in the coming weeks.

This week, we collected two aphids from winter peas at Site #7 (Spillman Agronomy Farm, Pullman, WA), while all other sites (winter and spring peas) were aphid-free.  Both aphids from site 7 tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). Similar to last week, this week’s weather was also somewhat rainy and cold, but next week, it will get warmer and drier, so we expect to see more aphid activity.

This week, we collected one aphid from Site #1 (Parker Farm, Moscow, ID), while all other sites were aphid-free. We will update the virus test results for both the plants and the aphid, screening for BLRV (Bean leaf roll virus) and PEMV (Pea enation mosaic virus). This week’s weather was somewhat rainy and cold. 

Virus test on aphids: 

The single aphid collected from site-1 tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). 

Virus tests on pea plants:

We collected pea plant samples (n =15 plants/field: 5 plants from each of 3 transects per site/field) from each of the winter pea locations, as well as one alfalfa field, for virus detection. No plants from any of the winter pea sites were tested positive for both PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus) and BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus). However, alfalfa plants near site 8 (Olson Rd, Palouse, WA) only tested positive for BLRV. 

This week, we expanded our monitoring network by adding more winter pea sites, bringing the total to nine sites. We completed sampling at all nine locations, and no pea aphids were detected at any of the sites during this week’s collections. We will continue monitoring weekly and provide updates as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more updates as temperatures warm and aphid activity potentially increases.

We did not observe any pea aphids in the pan traps deployed in the winter pea fields. This week, we added more winter pea sites, bringing the total to seven. We will also be adding two more winter pea sites and additional spring pea locations soon.

For the legume virus monitoring project, we began deploying pea aphid pan traps in winter pea sites for the 2025 season. We will add more winter/spring pea fields in the coming weeks. Tune in for the weekly updates on pea aphid abundance and virus incidence. We also plan to monitor other insect pests such as pea weevil and pea leaf weevil.

We thank all the cooperating legume growers in the Palouse region, researchers at the University of Idaho, and various other stakeholders for providing pea locations and supporting the Legume Virus Project. 

This week, we collected all of the aphid traps from this year's winter and spring peas. No aphid was observed on any aphid traps this week. 

This year, overall, most of the sites were aphid-free and the peas seem to be doing very well across the Palouse. Congratulations! Our best wishes to all pea producers for the great harvest. Please check our updates on aphids and viruses next year.

This week, except for one pea aphid from site-7 (Genesee, ID) and 23 aphids from site-15 (winter peas; Green Loop Rd, Genesee, ID), we didn't observe any pea aphids in pan traps on winter or spring pea sites. The peas are drying out so we plan to collect the traps next week. 

Virus test results: The aphids collected from both sites tested negative for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). 

This week in winter peas, we collected one pea aphid from site-4 (Evergreen Rd, Garfield), five from site-5 (Ingram Rd, St. John, WA), one from site-11  (Garfield-Farmington Rd, WA), and 21 from site-15 (Green Loop Rd, Genesee, ID) were collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter or spring pea sites.  

Virus test results: The aphids collected from the sites mentioned above tested negative for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus).

Other pests in sweep net samples:

Last week, we did sweep net sampling (50 sweeps per site) on all the winter and spring pea sites. Pea weevil (Bruschus pisorum) were less abundant than the last sampling (see the blog below on June 21, 2024), but were collected from almost all sites. We collected 3 pea weevils (3% of total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) from site-2, 0 from sie-3 , 11 (73% of total insect abundance) from site-4, 9 (12% of total insect abundance) from site-5, 14 (47% of total insect abundance) from site-6, 6 (20% of total insect abundance) from site-7, 23 (4% of total insect abundance) from site-8, 2 (33% of total insect abundance) from site-9, 3 (8% of total insect abundance) from site-10, 8 (21% of total insect abundance) from site-11, 19 (37% of total insect abundance) from site-12, 0 from site-13, 9 (<1% of total insect abundance) from site-14,  and 2 (<1% of total insect abundance)  pea lea weevil from site-15.

Like in apid traps, pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) were mostly rare in sweep samples too, except for a few sites. We collected 1 pea aphid from site-2 (1% of total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) , 461from site-8 (87% of total insect abundance), 4818 from site-14 (99% of total insect abundance), and 538 (55% of total insect abundance) from site-15, but no aphids from other sites. However, there were no pea leaf weevils (Sitona lineatus) in any of the sites. 

Other minor pests (e.g., plant bugs, hoppers, thrips, etc.) and beneficial insects (e.g., wasps, bees, flies, lady beetles, green lacewings, damsel bugs, etc ) were also present but they were mostly rare across sites.

This week in winter peas, one pea aphid from site-3 (Spillman farm, WA), one from site-4 (Evergreen Rd, Garfield), one from site-14 (Neyens Rd, Genesee), and six from site-15 (Green Loop Rd, Genesee, ID) were collected. Similarly, in spring-planted crops, three pea aphids from site-9 (Spillman farm, WA) and three from site-13 (UI arboretum, Moscow) were collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter or spring pea sites. We have collected sweep samples (50/field) from all 15 pea sites this week and the results will be posted here early next week.

Virus test results: the aphid collected from site-4 (Evergreen Rd, Garfield) tested positive for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus), but tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus). Similarly, the aphids (only 50% : 3 of 6 aphids) collected from site-15 (Green Loop Rd, Genesee, ID) tested positive for BLRV but negative for PEMV. However, the aphids collected from other sites were tested negative for PEMV or BLRV.

This week also pea aphids were very rare in our pan traps. In winter peas, two pea aphids from site-1 (Parker farm, Moscow), one from site-3 (Spillman farm, WA), and seven pea aphids (mostly wingless fallen from the adjacent pea canopies) from site-15 (Green Loop Rd, Genesee, ID) were collected. Also, two pea aphids were collected from a spring-planted crop field (Site-13/UI arboretum, Moscow), but no aphid was observed in pan traps from any of the other winter or spring pea sites.

Virus test results: the aphid collected from site-3 (winter peas; Spillman farm, WA) tested positive for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus), but tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus). However, the aphids collected from other sites were tested negative for PEMV or BLRV.

Other pests in sweep net samples:

Last week, we did sweep net sampling (50 sweeps per each site) on all the winter and spring pea sites. Pea weevil (Bruschus pisorum) was the most abundant insect pest overall, collected from 12 of 15 sites. We collected 11 pea weevils (39% of total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) from site-1, 0 from sie-2 , 11 (46% of total insect abundance) from site-3, 95 (86% of total insect abundance) from site-4, 13 (48% of total insect abundance) from site-5, 91 (32% of total insect abundance) from site-6, 7 (30% of total insect abundance) from site-7, 49 (43% of total insect abundance) from site-8, 119 (69% of total insect abundance) from site-9, 49 (88% of total insect abundance) from site-10, 50 (69% of total insect abundance) from site-11, 111 (85% of total insect abundance) from site-12, 0 from site-13, 7 (4% of total insect abundance) from site-14, and 0 pea lea weevil from site-15.

 Like in apid traps, pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) were mostly rare in sweep samples too. We collected 1 pea aphid from site-1, 3 from site-6, 2 from site-7, 7 from site-8, 2 from site-13, 4 from site-14, and 2 from site-15, but no aphids from other sites. 

Similarly, pea leaf weevils (Sitona lineatus) were significantly less abundant this year compared to last year. Only one site (site-6) had 3 pea leaf weevils present, but all the other sites had 0 pea leaf weevils in the sweep samples. 

Other minor pests (e.g., plant bugs, hoppers, thrips, etc.) and beneficial insects (e.g., wasps, bees, flies, lady beetles, green lacewings, damsel bugs, etc ) were also present but they were mostly rare across sites.

This week in winter peas, one pea aphid from site-5 (St. John, WA) and two from site-15 (Green Loop Rd, Genesee, ID) were collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter or spring pea sites. We have collected sweep samples (50/field) from all 15 pea sites and the results will be posted here early next week.

Virus test results: the aphids collected from both sites tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). 

This week, one pea aphid from site 3 (Spillman Farm, WA) was collected in winter peas, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter or spring pea sites. Next week, we will start collecting sweep samples from peas to assess other insect pests, such as pea weevils.

Virus test results: the single aphid collected from site 3 tested positive for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus), but negative for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). Due to the very low pea aphid infestation detected by our pan traps, no action is needed from the producers for virus or aphid management.

This week, the Palouse weather was relatively cool and rainy. We did not collect any pea aphids from the winter or spring pea traps. In the coming weeks, we will start collecting sweep samples from peas to assess other insect pests, such as pea weevils. 

This week, the Palouse weather was cool and windy. Except for the one pea aphid from site-7 (Genesee, ID), we did not collect any pea aphids from winter or spring pea pan traps. We have collected pea plant samples for virus testing. Including spring pea sites, now, we have a total of 15 sites for this year. 

Virus test on aphids: the aphid collected from site-7 tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). 

Virus tests on pea plants:

We also collected pea plant samples (n =15 plants/site: 5 plants from each of 3 transects per site) from each of the winter and spring pea locations for virus detection. No plants from any of the sites was tested positive for both PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus) and BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus). Plants from site-11 (winter peas: Garfield-Farmington Rd, WA) were tested positive only for PEMV. Plants from site-9 (winter peas: Spillman farm, Pullman, WA) and site-13 (spring crop/chickpeas: UI Arboretum farm, Moscow) tested positive only for BLRV. Pea plants from other winter or spring pea sites tested negative for PEMV or BLRV. 

This week in winter peas, one pea aphid from site 3 (Spillman Farm, WA) was collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter pea sites. Keep your eyes on the aphids!

This week in winter peas, two pea aphids from site 7 (Genesee, ID) were collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter pea sites. More pea locations (including spring peas) are coming soon.

This week we did not observe any pea aphids in the pan traps deployed in winter pea fields. We have added more winter pea sites this week (a total of 7 sites now). We will soon be adding spring pea locations too.

This week, we began deploying pea aphid pan traps in winter peas for the 2024 season of pea aphid and legume virus monitoring.  We will add more winter/spring pea fields in the coming days/weeks. Tune in for the weekly updates on pea aphid abundance and virus incidence. We also plan to occasionally monitor other insect pests (e.g., pea leaf weevil). 

We want to thank all the cooperating legume growers in the Palouse region and various other stakeholders for providing pea locations and supporting the Legume Virus Project. Last year was a 100% aphid-free season (at least in our pan traps) and we hope this growing season goes well too!

This week marked the end of the 2023 field season for the Legume Virus Project, and as a result, all the aphid pan traps were removed from the spring pea fields (traps were collected from winter peas last week). Additionally, no aphids were collected from any of the remaining spring pea sites this week.

Other pests in sweep net samples:

For the third time this season, we did sweep net sampling on the remaining spring peas this week. No pea weevils were collected, but the adult pea leaf weevils started to show up. We collected 13 pea leaf weevils (93% of total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) from site-12, six (13% of total insect abundance) from site-14, and two (67% of total insect abundance) from site-15. Other sites had no pea leaf weevils. Although we had not found a single pea aphid  (winged) in our apid traps, we collected six pea aphids (wingless) in sweep samples from site #14 (Rimrock Rd, Colton, WA), though none from other sites. Other minor pests (e.g., stink bugs, hoppers) and beneficial insects (wasps, lady beetles) were also present but they were mostly rare across sites.

Finally:

Congratulations to all the growers in the region for achieving a virtually aphid-free year! This is the first time in the history of Legume Virus Project's pea aphid and virus monitoring since 2007 that we have not collected any pea aphids from the traps. We experienced variations in weather throughout the year, with a cold and rainy start followed by hot weather in the summer. These weather patterns can vary from year to year. It's important to note that the absence of pea aphids in a given year does not guarantee their permanent disappearance, so please remain vigilant in the coming years. We will continue monitoring them next year and provide updates on aphids and viruses. Best of luck with your harvest

This week, we didn't collect a single aphid in aphid traps from any winter or spring pea sites. Since most of the winter peas are drying out and we did not observe any aphids this season in the aphid traps, we collected the traps from the fields this week. We collected a few pea aphids in sweep net samples from two spring pea sites last week. So, aphid traps in spring pea fields are still out for a couple of more weeks.

This week also, we didn't collect any pea aphids in aphid traps from any winter or spring pea sites. Winter pea pods are getting matured, and we will collect the aphid traps soon.

Other pests in sweep net samples:

For the second time this season, we also did sweep net sampling on all of the winter and spring peas this week (50 sweeps/site) to assess any insect pests in peas. Pea weevils were less abundant this week in sweep samples compared to the previous sampling. We collected 64 pea weevils (60% of total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) from site-7, one (10% of total insect abundance) from site-8, 19 (76% of total insect abundance) from site-10, 41 (95% of total insect abundance) from site-12, and one (38% of total insect abundance) from site-13. Other sites had no pea weevils.

Although we had not found a single pea aphid  (winged) in our apid traps, we collected 11 pea aphids (wingless; mostly nymphs) in sweep samples from site #14 (Rimrock Rd, Colton, WA) and one from site #13 (Colton, WA) but no aphids from other sites. This was the first time we collected pea aphids this season. Other minor pests and beneficial insects were also present but were rare across sites.

This season has been aphid-free so far! This week, NO pea aphid was detected at any of the aphid traps in winter or spring pea sites. This week's weather in our region was cold to mild (highs in the 50s/60s/70s and lows in the 40s). It is predicted to warm up next week. We have added one more spring pea site (site-15: HWY 95, Genesee, ID). We also collected plant samples for virus testing and performed sweep sampling for insect pests at this site. We found 23 pea weevils (87% of total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) from site-15 and will post virus test results next week.

This week also, no pea aphid was detected at any of the aphid traps in winter or spring pea sites. This week's weather in our region was still mild (highs in the 70s), and it is predicted to cool down further early next week (highs in the high 50s/low 60s!). 

Virus tests on pea plants:

We collected pea plant samples (n =15 plants/site: 5 plants from each of 3 transects per site) from the winter pea locations for virus tests when the aphid trapping season began. About 60% of plants collected from site-2 (Garfield, ID),100% of the plants collected from site-3 (St. John, WA), and 85% of plants collected from site-5 (Parker Farm, ID) tested positive for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus), whereas all of those same plants tested negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus). Since we have not collected any pea aphids so far, the positive virus test result on winter pea plants indicates that those plants might have been infected with the virus in the Fall, and with the absence of pea aphids in the season so far, there is no chance of these viruses being transmitted to spring peas. Hence, no action is needed from the producers for virus or aphid management. This week, we collected pea plant samples from winter and spring peas for virus tests. We will update the results soon.  

This week also the Palouse region experienced mild weather. Still, no aphid was collected from any of the winter pea or spring pea sites. Good news!

Other pests in sweep net samples:

This week and last week, we sampled each of the winter and spring pea fields by using sweep nets (50 sweeps/site) to assess any insect pests in peas. 

Unlike previous years (particularly last year), this year we did not collect any pea aphids in sweep samples, which is consistent with the pan-trap data. However, we collected significantly more pea weevils from most of the sites and a few pea leaf weevils from two sites.

We collected 136 pea weevils (96% of the total insect abundance per 50 sweeps) from site-2, 59 (95% of total insect abundance) from site-3, 11 (85% of total insect abundance) from site-4, 25 (100% of total insect abundance) from site-5, 115 (58% of total insect abundance) from site-7, 453 (95% of total insect abundance) from site-8, nine (47% of total insect abundance) from site-10, 168 (89% of total insect abundance) from site-12, and 13 (32% of total insect abundance) from site-14.

We hadn’t collected any pea leaf weevils from any of the pea sites last year, but there were a few this year even this time of the year; usually, the overwintered pea leaf weevil adults appear early in the season when the peas are very young. We collected 13 pea leaf weevils from site-7 and five from site-10.

Other less pestiferous (e.g., hoppers, thrips, plant bugs) and some beneficial insects (e.g., wasps, flies, lady beetles, damsel bugs) were also collected but they were not as abundant as pea weevils or pea leaf weevils.

The Palouse region this week experienced mild weather. We still haven't collected any pea aphids from winter or spring pea traps. We are starting to collect sweep samples from peas to assess other insect pests, as we have been observing the pea weevils and pea leaf weevils in most sites. We will continue to provide updates on the status of pea aphids and other pests; stay tuned.

This week, the Palouse region experienced cool - mild weather. We still haven't collected a single pea aphid from any of our aphid traps.  Nevertheless, we have observed the emergence of pea weevils and leaf damage by pea leaf weevils in most of the winter pea sites. This week and last week, we added a few more winter peas as well as spring peas. We will continue to provide updates on the progress of all these locations. Stay tuned for more information.

This week, the Palouse region had warm weather with scattered rain. The good news is that no pea aphids were found in our traps. We anticipate fewer pea aphids compared to last year. However, we have noticed the emergence of pea weevils at certain sites (-2, 3, and 4), in addition to the previously observed pea leaf weevil infestation.

This week, the weather is becoming warmer in the region. We have not seen any pea aphids across sites in the aphid traps deployed in winter peas. However, we have observed that most sites have pea leaf weevils infestations cutting pea leaves aggressively.  In particular, the Lewiston site (site #1) was highly infested. We are in the process of adding spring pea locations too.

This week's weather started off warm and became cooler and rainy towards the end of the week. As of now, we have not found any pea aphids in the winter peas. Stay tuned for further updates next week. Additionally, we will soon be adding spring pea locations.

Due to a cooler and wetter than usual spring, this year has been a bit slower for crops and pests. For this year’s pea aphid and legume virus monitoring, we began deploying pea aphid pan traps in winter peas this week and collected pea plant samples for any virus infection. Tune in for the weekly updates on pea aphid abundance and virus incidence. Considering the concerns of some stakeholders, we will also regularly monitor other insect pests (e.g., pea leaf weevil). The map will soon be updated for the 2023-growing season with all winter and spring pea trap locations. Spring peas have not emerged yet, but they will be added in the coming weeks. 

We want to thank all the cooperating legume growers in the Palouse region and other stakeholders (e.g., ProGene Plant Research, Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative Inc., USDA-Pullman Legume Research Geneticist) for supporting the Legume Virus Project. Best wishes for the upcoming growing season; we hope this growing season goes well and we don’t find too many aphids and viruses!

This week, we are finishing up our aphid collection from this year's winter and spring peas. Except for the five aphids collected from Site-8 (Kambitsch, ID), no aphid was observed on any spring pea aphid traps this week. We already collected traps from winter pea fields last week.

Aphids collected from site-8 tested positive for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus) but negative for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus).

This year, overall, we collected significantly more aphids from both winter and spring peas than the last year, but, probably due to other favorable growth conditions, the peas seem to be doing good across the Palouse. Our best wishes to all pea producers for the great harvest! Please check our updates on aphids and viruses next year.

This week in winter peas, four pea aphids from site-2 (Albion, WA) and two from site-3 (Kendrick, ID) were collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter pea sites. We also collected aphids traps from winter pea sites.

In spring peas, three pea aphids from site- 8 (Kambitsch, ID), one from site-9 (Dayton, WA), two from site-10 (Parker farm, ID),  and five aphids from site- 13 (Cow creek Rd, ID) were collected, but no aphid was found on other spring pea sites.

For virus test results, aphids collected from site-3, site-8, and site-10 tested positive for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus), but negative for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). Aphids from the remaining sites tested negative for both PEMV and BLRV.

This week in winter peas, two pea aphids from site-2 (Albion, WA), three from site-3 (Kendrick, ID), and five aphids from site-4 (Genesee, ID) were collected, but no aphid was observed in pan traps on other winter pea sites.

In spring peas, 19 pea aphids from the site- 8 (Kambitsch, ID) and 11 aphids from the site- 13 (Cow creek Rd, ID) were collected, but no aphid was found on other spring pea sites. Pea plants in some of the spring pea sites (mainly sites 8, and 13) were heavily infested with pea aphids (mostly wingless ones). Palouse weather is warming up and pea plants (mostly winter peas) are maturing, indicating that the season is waning slowly, so we might start collecting the aphid traps in a week or two.

For virus test results, aphids collected from site-3 and site-4 tested positive for both BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) and PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). Aphids collected from site-8 and site-13 tested positive for PEMV but negative for BLRV. Aphids from the remaining sites tested negative for both PEMV and BLRV.

Important:  As we collected 642 aphids (most among all sites) in our sweep (50 sweeps) samples from site 8 (Kambitsch, ID) on June 30, we are now observing a very heavy infestation on every pea plant on this site. While the late-season surges of aphid pests have a relatively low impact on the mature (currently flowering on this site) plants, we strongly recommend growers to use the threshold calculator available on this website to aid in their decision to manage aphid pests.

This week in winter peas, five pea aphids were collected from site-1 (Lewiston, ID),  five from site-2 (Albion, WA), and 12 aphids from site-4 (Genesee, ID), but no aphid was collected from other winter pea sites.

In spring peas, 66 pea aphids from site-9, one aphid from site-10 (Parker farm ID), and seven aphids from site- 13 (Cow creek Rd, ID) were collected, but no aphid was found on other spring pea sites. 

For virus test results, aphids collected from site-1, site-2, and site-13 tested positive for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus), but negative for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). Aphids from the remaining sites tested negative for both PEMV and BLRV.

This week in winter peas, seven pea aphids were collected from site-5 (Pullman, WA) and five aphids from site-7 (Dayton, WA), but no aphid was collected from other winter pea sites.

In spring peas, five aphids were collected from site- 9 (Dayton, WA), but no aphid was found on other spring pea sites. This week's weather was warm to hot in our region but it is predicted to rain and cool down coming weekend.  

For virus test results, except for site-9 (Dayton, WA: spring pea) where aphids were tested positive for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus) only, all aphids from other sites tested negative for both PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus) and BLRV.

Other pests in sweep net samples:

This week we sampled each of the pea fields by using sweep nets (50 sweeps/site) to assess any insect pests in peas. 

Compared to last year, pea aphids this year were significantly more abundant in sweep samples, which is consistent with the pan trap data. We collected 427 aphids from site-1, 48 from site-2, 481 from site-3, ten from site-4, seven from site-5, two from site-6, 36 from site-7, 642 from site-8, 34 from site-9, 110 from site-10, 12 from site-11, and 15 aphids from site-13. We also collected 11 pea weevils from site-2, three from site-4, one from site-5, 52 from site-6, and five from site-11, but none from other sites. We didn't collect any pea leaf weevils from any of the pea sites. Other less pestiferous (e.g., hoppers, thrips, plant bugs) and some beneficial insects  (e.g., wasps, flies) were also collected but they were not as abundant as pea aphid and pea weevils.

Virus tests on pea plants:

We also collected pea plant samples (n =15 plants/site: 5 plants from each of 3 transects per site) from each of the winter and spring pea locations for virus tests. Plants from site-10 (spring pea: Parker farm, Moscow) and site-13 (spring pea: Cow creek, Genesee) tested positive for both PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus) and BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus); plants from site-2 (winter pea: Albion, WA) and site-7 (winter pea: Dayton, WA) tested positive only for PEMV; and plants from site 9 (spring pea: Dayton, WA) tested positive only for BLRV. Pea plants from other winter or spring pea sites tested negative for both PEMV and BLRV.  

This week in winter peas, nine pea aphids were collected from site-1 (Lewiston, ID), nine aphids from site-2 (Albion, WA), four from site-4 (Genesee, ID), three from site-5 (Pullman, WA), 46 aphids from site-7 (Dayton, WA), and one aphid from site-6 (Garfield, WA). No aphid was collected from other winter pea sites.

In spring peas, one aphid was collected from the site- 8 (Kambitch, ID), but no aphid was found on other spring pea sites. Also, we have added ten hairy vetch sites that had more abundant aphid numbers (sampled by sweep netting) than that in winter and spring peas. The weather in our region is still cool to warm, but it is going to be hot soon. As predicted, we already collected significantly more pea aphids  (though not to the level of an outbreak) this year than in the past three years. We are still observing pea weevils in certain sites; we will be sampling other insect pests from winter peas next week and updating them here.

This week in winter peas, thirty-five pea aphids were collected from site-1 (Lewiston, ID), five aphids from site-2 (Albion, WA), nine from site-4 (Genesee, ID), two from site-5 (Pullman, WA), and one aphid from site-7 (Dayton, WA).  No aphid was collected from other winter pea sites or from any of the spring pea sites. Also,  the aphids from site-1 tested positive for BLRV (Bean leaf roll virus) but negative for PEMV (Pea enation mosaic virus). The aphids from site-2 tested positive for PEMV but negative for BLRV. The aphids from other sites tested negative for both BLRV and PEMV.

This week in winter peas, ten pea aphids were collected from site-1 (Lewiston, ID), seven aphids from site-2 (Albion, WA), one from site-3 (Kendrick, ID), and one from site-4 (Genesee, ID), but no aphid was collected from other sites. All the aphids were tested negative for BLRV (Bean leaf roll virus) and PEMV (Pea enation mosaic virus).  Also, no aphids collected so far from spring pea sites.

With the help of Washington State University entomologists, we have now added ten perennial hairy vetch population sites to this project from where aphids are collected using sweep nets (instead of using pan traps like in winter and spring peas). This week in hairy vetch sites, six aphids were collected from site-15, 100 from site-16, six from site-17, 39 from site-18, and zero aphids from site-19. The aphids from site-15 tested negative for any virus, but those from site-16 and site-18 tested positive for both BLRV and PEMV, and the aphids from site-17 tested positive for PEMV but negative for BLRV. 

As predicted, this year seems more favorable for insect pests than the last year. We have observed and collected more pea aphids this year so far than the total aphids collected last year. While servicing aphid traps weekly, we have also observed pea weevils and pea leaf weevils in many of the pea fields we have visited. We suggest our growers be vigilant by regularly scouting their legume crop fields.

This week in winter peas, 26 pea aphids were collected from site-1 (Lewiston, ID) and six from site-4 (Genesee, ID), but no aphid was collected from other sites. Both sites with aphids are nearby vetch populations. All the aphids were tested negative for BLRV (Bean leaf roll virus) and PEMV (Pea enation mosaic virus). Also, we have some reports of pea aphid infestation on vetch populations around the snake river, so growers with pea fields nearby should be vigilant. Next week, we will add new sites with spring peas, sweep sample vetch populations, and update aphid information.

Good news! This week no pea aphid was detected at any of the aphid traps in winter pea sites. Spring peas have started to emerge in the Palouse region. We will add spring pea fields to the Legume Virus Project next and/or the following week. 

This week, we collected one aphid from the  Albion site (site # 2), but all the other sites were aphid-free. We tested the aphid for any virus and it was tested negative for both BLRV (Bean leaf roll virus) and PEMV (Pea enation mosaic virus).  This week's weather was still rainy, cold, and windy.

This week, except for one aphid collected from the Genesee site (site #4), no pea aphid was found in any of the other sites. The good news is no virus was detected in this aphid. The weather is getting warmer and we could see more aphids next week. Please stay tuned for additional information.  

We checked all the winter pea locations this week, amid rainy and cool weather. The good news so far is no pea aphids were found in any of the sites.  

Pea aphid and legume virus monitoring for this year has now been started. This week, pea plant samples were collected for virus testing and aphid pan traps were deployed in six winter pea fields in the Palouse region. Trap locations can be found on the 2022 aphid/virus tracker map. Spring peas are not ready for the survey yet, but we will add those locations in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates.

We would like to thank all the stakeholders (e.g., ProGene Plant Research, Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative, USDA pea breeding scientist) and growers, for supporting the Legume Virus Project. Let's hope this growing season will also be aphid-and virus-free!

This week was the last week of 2021 field season for the Legume Virus Project, so all the aphid pan traps were taken out from winter and spring pea fields. This week also no aphid was collected from any of the winter pea or spring pea sites. Now the pea plants are drying down and no aphids are immigrating to the Palouse.

Congratulations to all the growers in the region! As you all noticed, this year was mostly aphid-free. We experienced quite uncommon weather this year. For example, June had several very hot (>100 F) days. These weather patterns could change year by year so please be vigilant in coming years too. We will come back next year with updates on aphids and viruses. Hope your harvest goes well.

This week was super hot in our region, with the hottest days ever recorded in June in some areas. Many of the pan traps were clean and didn't even have any insects trapped. So, no aphid was collected from any of the winter pea or spring pea sites.

Other pests in sweep net samples:

This week we sampled each of the pea fields by using sweep nets (50 sweeps/site) to assess any insect pests in peas. 

Except for one aphid on each of sites # 1 and 2, no pea aphid was collected even from the sweep net sampling. So, the results from aphid pan traps and sweep net sampling showed that this year's peas in the Palouse region were mostly aphid-free. Similarly, 12 pea weevils in site # 1, six in site # 2, seven in site # 5, one in site # 6, six in site # 10, and five weevils in site # 13 were observed in sweep samples. Additionally, 10 pea leaf weevils in site # 1, two in site # 2, one in site # 7, nine in site # 9, four in site # 11, and 38 pea leaf weevils in site # 12 were detected. Other less pestiferous and some beneficial insects were also collected but they were not as abundant as pea weevils and pea leaf weevils.

This week no aphid was collected from any of the winter pea or spring pea sites. Good news, again!

Luckily aphids were mostly absent in the pan traps. This week in winter pea sites, one aphid from site # 12 (Parker Farm, ID), and two aphids from site #13 (Spillman Farm, WA) were collected. In spring pea sites, ten aphids each from sites # 8 (Colton, WA), # 9 (Schultheis Rd, WA), # 10 (Old Hwy 95, ID), and # 11 (Hwy 95 JCT) were collected, but no aphids were observed in other winter or spring pea sites. Also, except on aphids from sites # 10 and 11 (only PEMV was positive on aphids from both sites), no virus was detected on any of the other collected aphids.

Other pests:

We also detected pea weevils (≤5/50 sweeps) at Site # 8 (Colton, WA) and Site # 10 (Old Hwy 95 Rd, ID).

This week's weather was primarily windy, cold (mid-40s F) to warm (mid-70s F), and lightly rainy. A few of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. This week, no aphid was collected from any of the winter pea or spring pea sites. Good news!

This week's weather ranged from warm (~65 F) to hot (~90 F) across sites. This week in winter pea sites, one aphid was collected from site-12 (Parker Farm, Moscow, ID), but no aphid was collected from other sites. No virus was detected from the aphid. Also, there was no aphid found in any of the spring pea sites.

Virus tests on pea plants:

We also collected pea plant samples (n =15 plants/site: 5 plants from each of 3 transects per site) from each of the 13 locations for virus tests. Plants from sites # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 13 tested positive for PEMV (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus). Similarly, plants from sites # 1, 2, 3, and 4 tested positive for BLRV (Bean Leaf Roll Virus). Pea plants from other sites were tested negative for PEMV and BLRV.

Other pests:

We also detected a few pea weevils (≤2/50 sweeps) at Site # 5 (Olson Rd, Palouse, WA). 

This week's weather was windy but warmer than the last week. This week in winter pea sites, eight aphids from site-12 (Parker Farm, Moscow, ID) and one from site -1 (Genese, ID) were collected, but no aphid was collected from other sites. Also, no virus was detected on any of the collected aphids. We are ahead of next year in finding pea aphids at the winter pea sites. This week there was no aphid found in any of the spring pea sites. More aphids can be expected next week.

This week (a relatively cold and rainy week) also no pea aphid was collected at any of the seven winter pea or six spring pea sites. Starting next week, we will also be collecting plant samples for virus analysis. Stay tuned for the updates.

Good news! This week no pea aphid was collected at any of the seven winter pea sites. Six spring pea fields were also added this week (round markers on the map) and will be checked for the first time next week. Stay tuned for the updates.

We checked all the winter pea locations this week. Except for one aphid collected from the Parker Farm location (site #12), no pea aphid was found in any of the other sites. Even though it is a single aphid from a single site so far, we are well ahead of last year in finding an aphid as there was no single aphid trapped until early June last year. However, the good news is no virus was detected from the aphid. We have already identified the spring pea locations for this year. Please stay tuned for additional information.  

We checked all the winter pea locations this week. The good news so far is no pea aphids were found in any of the sites. Aphid traps were placed at two more winter pea locations (total = 7 for this year) this week. More pea locations (including spring peas) are coming soon.

With the help of ProGene Plant Research, Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative, and other stakeholders, we have identified 11 pea sites (5 winter pea + 6 spring pea) so far in the Palouse area for this year. We will add more pea locations in the coming weeks. Trap locations for winter and spring peas can be found on the 2021 aphid/virus tracker map. Pea aphid pan traps were deployed this week in five winter pea fields, but the spring peas are not ready for the survey yet. Stay tuned for more updates. Thank you, all of the stakeholders and growers, for supporting the Legume Virus Project. Best wishes for the upcoming growing season!

We are finishing up our aphid collection from this year's winter and spring peas. This week in winter pea sites, two pea aphids were collected from site-5 and one from site-8. In spring pea sites, eight pea aphids were collected from site-11, twenty-one from site-12, seven from site-13, three from site-14, and six aphids from site-15. We collected more aphids in spring peas this year than last year, but they didn't seem too high to damage the crops significantly. Although aphid numbers are increasing and unfortunately due to COVID-19 we are unable to process this year’s specimens in time to detect viruses, the effect of any new virus infections in pea at this stage is negligible. We suggest our growers monitor for the abundance that is great enough to cause direct injury. Please check our updates on aphids and virus next year.

This week in spring pea sites, one pea aphid was collected from site-11, four from site-12, one from site-13, one from site-14, and three aphids from site-15. This week, except two aphids collected from site-5, no aphid was collected from the winter pea sites. This week many of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. 

This week in spring peas, three pea aphids were collected from site-11, five from site-12, seven from site-13, eleven from site-14, and fourteen aphids from site-15. In winter peas, one aphid was collected from site-5 and two from site-7, but no aphid was collected from other sites.

We also detected a few pea weevils (≤2/50 sweeps) at two of these spring pea fields. 

This week in spring pea sites, zero pea aphid was collected from site-11, one from site-12, three from site-13, two from site-14, four from site-15, one from site-16, and one aphid from site-17. This week one aphid was collected in site-1, one from site-6, and one from site-10 in winter pea sites. This week many of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, processing aphids to detect the presence of the virus will be delayed this year, but we are working on it. Stay tuned for more updates.

This week, two pea aphids were collected from site-11, nine from site-12, two from site-13, two from site-14, and four aphids from site-15. This week also, no aphid has been found in winter pea sites. Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, processing aphids to detect the presence of virus will be delayed this year. Stay tuned for the updates.

This week also we haven't found any aphids in winter peas traps. However, one aphid was collected from each of site 12, 14, and 15 from the spring pea traps. This week many of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, processing aphids to detect the presence of virus will be delayed this year.

We haven’t found any aphids so far in the 2020 traps in winter peas. Stay tuned for more aphid and virus updates in both winter and spring peas.

We haven’t found any aphids so far in any of the 2020 traps located in winter peas. Stay tuned for more aphid and virus updates in both winter and spring peas.

We haven’t found any aphids so far in any of the 2020 traps located in winter peas. Stay tuned for more aphid and virus updates.

This year we are happy to collaborate with ProGene Plant Research LLC. ProGene is leading to setting up the pea aphid pan traps in the inland Pacific Northwest region. Trap locations for winter and spring peas can be found on the 2020 aphid/virus tracker map. This year's traps range from Davenport, WA to Pendleton, OR. The good news is that we haven’t found any aphids so far in any of the 2020 traps. Thank you ProGene and all the pea producers for your support to the Legume Virus Project! Stay tuned for more updates.

We finished our aphid collection as well as virus testing for this year's cultivated (winter and spring peas) sites. While we collected very few aphids this year, NO virus was detected from any of those aphids. As the aphid populations fluctuate year by year, there might be few reasons why we are not seeing aphids and virus in 2019. For example, late spring/early summer was uncommonly cold and wet, but these weather patterns could change year by year. We suggest our growers to be as vigilant as before in coming years and check our updates on aphids and virus.

This week, except the two aphids found in site 12, no aphid was collected from any other spring pea sites. While spring peas are done (or almost done) flowering, we pulled out our spring pea aphid traps this week. However, we have recently gotten results from three additional traps that were deployed in the perennial habitats, nearby vetch populations. No virus was detected in these sites, but one aphid was collected from each of these three sites. We will keep updating on virus and aphids on vetch populations.

Again, great news for the growers! This week, no aphid was collected from any of the spring pea sites, and we already pulled out our winter pea traps.

Since this year's pea fields are mostly clean (aphid-free/virus-free) and the winter peas are either almost done flowering or already drying, we collected all of our winter pea aphid traps this week. We collected only two aphids from site 6, but no aphid was found in other winter pea sites. Also, NO aphid was found from any of the spring pea sites, but we will keep spring pea aphid traps for few more weeks. 

This week also most of the pea fields are aphid-free. Only one aphid was collected from site 4, but no aphid was found in other winter pea sites. Also, NO aphid was found from any of the spring pea sites. 

Good news for our growers that this year's most of the pea fields are aphid-free and virus-free. This week, one aphid was collected each from site 4, 5, and 6, but no aphid was found in other winter pea sites. Also, except one aphid collected from site 9, no aphid was found from any of the other spring pea sites. Pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) was tested negative from all aphids collected this year. Results for other virus tests are coming soon.

This week, six aphids were collected from site 4, one from site 5, and one from site 6, but no aphid was found in other winter pea sites. Also, no aphid was found from any of the spring pea sites.This week also many of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. Virus results are coming next week.

This week, two aphids were collected from site 3, four from site 4, and one from site 6, but no aphid was found in other winter pea sites. For the spring peas, one aphid was collected from each of site 8, 11, and 13.This week also some of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. Virus results are coming soon.

Three aphids were collected from site 4, but no aphid was found in other sites. This week, most of the pan traps were flooded due to rain. Also, six spring pea sites have been added to the map now. This week, aphids were collected from only two sites: site 8 had four aphids and site 11 had one aphid . Virus results are coming soon.

This week, no aphid was collected at sites 1, 2, and 5. However, 2 aphids were collected at site 3; 1 aphid at site 4; 3 aphids at site 6; and 1 aphid at site 7 were collected. Virus tests are underway. Also, six spring pea fields were located and sampled this week and will be added to the map soon.

All five winter pea locations were checked, but no pea aphids were found. Aphid traps were placed at two more winter pea locations (total=7). Spring pea locations are coming soon.

Aphid traps were placed at five winter pea locations

Aphid traps were checked for the last time of the season this week and pulled out of the field. Aphid counts have continued to decrease over the past few weeks with this week showing the lowest count at each trap site all season. All but one sites yielded single digit aphid counts. Virus results will continue to be updated to Aphid Tracker.

This week, all traps were sampled and aphids were captured at all sites. Aphid counts continue to drop as plants at most locations start to dry down. Plant tissue samples were taken this week and will be mailed to the Parma lab for virus testing.

This week, all traps were sampled and aphids were captured at all sites. Aphid counts appear to be dropping a little bit as plants are starting to dry down as well. Plant tissue samples will be taken next week.

This week, all traps were sampled and aphids were captured at all sites. We're still seeing a very large amount of aphids being captured in the pan traps. Still waiting on virus results.

This week, all traps were sampled and aphids were captured at all sites. This week yielded the largest amount of aphids trapped so far. Samples will be shipped to Parma for virus testing. We are still waiting of virus results from two weeks ago and last week.

Last week (6/11/18-6/15/18) the Entomological Society of America Pacific Branch meeting took place so traps were not sampled until Thursday: Aphids were found at all locations with the most aphids found at site #7. This week, aphids were found once again at all locations with the most aphids found at site #4. Aphids from both this week and last week were mailed to the Parma research lab yesterday to be tested for virus. Virus results from two weeks ago are in: 1 aphid tested positive for virus from site #4 (PEMV), 1 aphid from site #5 (PEMV), 1 aphid from site #7 (PEMV), and 2 aphids from site #8 (PEMV).

This week all aphid trap locations were sampled. Aphids were collected at all locations with the most aphids coming from sites 8 with twenty-three and site 9 with twenty-five aphids collected. Aphids will be tested for virus. We are currently still waiting on virus results from the aphids collected last week.

This week, all aphid trap locations, including the 5 new spring pea locations were sampled. Aphids were collected at all locations with the most aphids coming from sites 2 and 4 with thirty-six aphids collected from each location. Aphids will be tested for virus. This year is showing many more aphids at this point in the spring compared to last year.

Traps were checked this week. One aphid was found at site #1 and one aphid was found at site #3. These samples were sent to Parma for virus testing.

The 2018 field season is under way. We have four winter pea fields this year, and all traps have been put out and will remain out until the first hard freeze. Traps were placed at sites #1 and #2 this week. Traps were placed at site #4 last week and were checked for the first time this week; no aphids were collected. Traps were placed at site #3 two weeks ago and were checked last week and this week; no aphids were found.

This week, five pea aphids were collected at site 2 and three pea aphids were collected at site four. These aphids will be sent to Parma to test for virus.

The single pea aphid collected at site three last week tested positive for Pea Enation Mosaic Virus. This week, one aphid was collected at site three and once again, it tested positive for PEMV. Another aphid was collected this week at site four; it did not test positive for virus.

All but 4 sites had aphids present in pea aphid pan traps (76% of field sites had aphids present). The most abundant site was site #9 with a total of 4 alate pea aphids. ELISA plates are being read again for the 3rd time.

DAS-ELISA (double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests of plant samples taken from each field have been analyzed.

Plant samples taken: 10 June 2016; 3 transects/site; 10 plants/transect; 16 total sites (1 site emerged as a wheat field [site was kept anyway] = site #4); 48 total samples; Plates read at 405 nm (wavelength) on 16 June 2016.

Overall - 50% of fields tested were positive for PEMV, BLRV or Both viruses.

Only 1 northern site (#3) tested positive for either virus, in this case BLRV and only 1 transect out of the 3 (33% virus incidence) was positive for that virus. All other sites that tested positive for BLRV/PEMV were located south of Moscow. Sites south and west of Moscow had the highest virus presence and incidence: sites #7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 tested positive for PEMV with a high incidence (14 out of 15 transects tested positive, 93% virus incidence). Sites south and east of Moscow: #16 and 17 tested positive for BLRV, PEMV or both (at a relatively low virus incidence, 33% and 66%, respectively). The cutoff date for treatment of alate viruliferous pea aphids (from UI data) shows that spraying before 32.49 DAE would be economical in preventing yield loss (quite early in the growing season). After looking at the fields today I believe all pea fields are past this cutoff date and thus virus damage to yield should be negligible this year. Secondary virus spread could be happening right now as I type this.

Aphids collected today (17 June 2016) have been sent south for PCR analyses.

If you'd like more information about our DAS-ELISA results please contact Brad Stokes (bstokes@uidaho.edu).

Maps of the approximate locations of fields testing positive for virus PEMV and BLVR can be viewed by clicking these links. The maps show the minimum percentage of infected plants in each location sampled. This is because the plants were pooled into sets for virus detection rather than sampled individually.

PM: Laboratory tests have been completed on plant tissue samples from all 34 sites in the survey. Nearly all sites were positive for virus in at least one plant (3%) of plants sampled. This is a higher incidence of virus at this point in the season than we have observed since starting our surveys in 2006. The prevalence of virus-positive plants varies among sites and we will be posting that information to the Aphidtracker by tomorrow.

AM: Unusually high infestations of aphids are being observed in the southern stretches of our study window, and specifically along the Rimrock road corridor. We are expecting data on the presence of virus imminently. We think producers across the region should proceed as though the disease risk is proportionately higher this year due to these infestation levels. ELISA results on the presence of virus particles in the plants from a survey of producer fields taken last week will be posted soon to this site.

The aphid sampling season will be starting soon. This week we will visit the Columbia Basin to survey alfalfa fields and other sources. In early May the traps will be deployed and we will begin entering the data into the 2012 map. We will let you know as soon as this is posted.

Meanwhile, we have finalized our three calculators and posted them to this site (go to home page and click on Decision Support System for Managing Aphids & Viruses where you will find links to each one). The first calculator helps you decide on treatments for your pea seed. The second one helps you make decisions about whether to spray your fields early for aphid. The third one calculates and Economic Injury Level for aphids pre-bloom. All of these have been developed based on our research data collected during the LVP. If questions arise in using these, please let us know!

We will be holding a workshop for those interested in participating in a "beta" test of the Epicollect system that will allow growers to submit their observations of pea aphids and virus using smartphones. The data will be posted to maps that can allow everyone to see where aphids are in real time.

Here is the full text from our Pulse Pipeline article for this date:

Virus symptoms report: This year, legume virus symptoms were first observed in the week of June 7 in pea fields near Almota, Albion and Uniontown, Washington. We also collected aphids carrying virus in traps in the same area relatively early in the season. Virus symptoms appeared later in fields near Genesee, Idaho, but have been essentially absent from fields in the northern part of the region. Last week, Lyndon Porter discovered virus symptoms in most of the 12 fields he sampled from Colfax to Moscow/Pullman. Two of the fields Lyndon scouted were severely injured. Jerry Mraz (PNW, Genesee) reports (June 20) that some symptoms are present in most of the fields he is scouting in his part of the region. In the north, Ken Fuchs (Co-Ag) reports (June 20) the crop looks mostly virus free except for rare, isolated plants. So the north-south differential observed in previous years seems to be holding. This week (June 19-20), we conducted a systematic visual survey for virus symptoms in pea fields at sites across the region where we have been trapping aphids this season. In each field, plants were sampled along two 100-meter transects. Along each transect, 50 plants were examined for symptoms every ten meters, for a total of 500 plants per transect. We sampled along two transects for a total of 1000 plants per field. We found the proportion of plants showing symptoms ranged from zero to 80% (Fig. 1) (all were pea fields except those indicated as lentil). As in prior years of our study, virus disease prevalence and percent infection is greater in the southern part than in the northern part of the region. Nonetheless, there are exceptions indicating local factors can override the drivers of this geographic trend. The symptoms we have seen this year (Figs. 2 and 3) are the distortion and windowing consistent with Pea enation mosaic virus, but our lab tests indicate Bean leaf roll virus is also present. Most fields only have symptoms in the upper nodes of affected plants so that the effects on yield this late in the season are uncertain. Where symptoms are more extensive, a yield impact is likely.

Aphid immigration patterns: It appears 2010 will be scored a “1” (low to moderate) on the “Clement” Index. This is because the cool and rainy June reduced aphid population growth and movement, although populations are now high in untreated fields. The source of virus inoculum this year remains uncertain since infectious aphids were rare in June. The warm spell in April could have brought in some undetected virus inoculum.

You can help: We would like to take advantage of the variability this year to measure the impacts of virus disease on pea yield. If you have symptoms like those shown in one of your fields and might be able to provide data on yield specific to that field, please let us know (sanforde@uidaho. edu). We would like to work with you.

We continue to see virus symptoms in certain fields in the southern part of the region, notably near Uniontown, Colfax and Genesee. We have reports, from Lyndon Porter who was scouting for fungal disease last week, that some virus symptoms (Pea enation mosaic) can be found in most fields from Colfax to Moscow/Pullman. Two of the fields scouted by Lyndon were severely injured. Jerry Mraz (PNW, Genesee) reports that some symptoms are present in most of the fields he is scouting. The degree of possible injury varies but is often confined to distortion of the uppermost pods and leaves. This late in the season it is difficult to know how much of an effect this could have on yield. Our surveys up north continue to find symptoms infrequently. Ken Fuchs (Co-Ag) also reports the crop looks virus free in the northern parts of the region except for rare, isolated plants. So the north-south differential observed in previous years is holding. We are completing a full symptom survey of all the trap sites north and south, today. We will have these results soon. A report will appear in the Pulse Pipeline this week.

Aphid numbers in traps are coming up across the region. Testing these aphids for presence of viruses is under way. Based on our surveys, virus symptoms in the crop remain confined to sites in the southern part of the region. For jpg photographs of representative symptoms observed near Site 17 click here (sympt1, sympt2, sympt3).

Plants and aphids from the southern part of the region have tested positive for Bean leaf roll virus. Suspected positives for PEMV are being retested. Aphids collected from sites 17 and 22 on June 3 are positive for BLRV.

The aphid traps for the season were installed on May 18 and collections began on May 24. View the trapping Locations and Data. In summary, we picked up one aphid in our reliable first detector site near Almota on May 24. May 27 we collected no aphids. This week we have picked up a few aphids from traps near Colton and Uniontown, despite the recent run of rainy weather.

We have also been sweeping pea fields at each of the sites. Some sites near Uniontown had aphids (winged and wingless) in the crop. This week we detected some in peas near Albion. Otherwise, the crop has been free of aphids throughout the region. Testing for virus in aphids from traps and sweep samples is underway and results will be communicated ASAP to this site.

Next week, we will be collecting plant tissue from pea fields adjacent to all of the trap sites and testing this tissue for viruses. We will use 3 100-meter transects into each field, collecting 30 plants and looking for symptoms. If you are hosting traps and do not want us in the field to take the samples for whatever reason, please let us know by following the "Feedback" link on the side bar.

The LVP personnel met for a 2-day retreat at the University of Idaho to set plans for the 2010 season. Trap locations will be determined soon. The Columbia Basin trip in April will go further west to seek PEMV sources, and will explore close to home along river canyons. Those interested in hosting traps should contact us, by emailing sanforde@uidaho.edu. 

Traps in the basin. (Walla Walla, Touchet) for the week of April 20, these traps were free of pea aphids.

Traps in the Palouse region. We have begun to set traps in the Palouse for the 2009 season. Although only a few growers have been able to plant pea or lentil, we will begin collecting aphids on May 15, as in prior years. We will have approximately 35 sites and these will be located on the map soon. Thanks to Ken Fuchs (CoAg) and Mike Devoe (Genesee Union) for their help in locating the trap sites this year.

Columbia Basin. We made our annual foray into the Basin on April 17-19 this year. Despite the cool season, aphids were located in alfalfa in 13 of 27 sites surveyed. Abundance was low (about 0.1 aphids per sweep). Thanks to help from McGregor's field men, especially Marshall McKinleye we located traps in Walla Walla, Touchet and Dayton.

Traps. We are just beginning to determine positions for traps for this season. With the new funding, we will be placing more traps than in previous years. If you are interested in having a trap located near one of your fields, please contact us.

Pea aphids remain at very low levels in the traps. We have yet to detect virus in any trapped aphids. We have detected PEMV in just one aphid collected from alfalfa. Based on the similarities in aphid and virus incidence this year and last, it appears that 2008 will be very low risk of virus in pea and lentil on the Palouse. We plan to continue monitoring aphids in the traps and in the fields until the second week of July. Data will be updated as we do so.

Pea aphids are beginning to arrive in the trap network (see This Year 2008 Locations). The numbers per trap are about 1/2 of what they were at this date in 2007, due evidently to the continuing cool and wet weather in the region. So far we have not detected virus in any of the aphids collected. Sweep net samples at 25 sites (all those shown on the Locations map), have collected no or few aphids at many sites. Maximum numbers observed are 1 aphid per sweep.