Tomato Potato Psyllid
Bactericera cockerelli
Small sap-sucking insect now established in Western Australia. Vectors the bacterial disease Zebra Chip of potatoes.
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Identify from a photoBackground
Tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) was first detected in Australia in Perth in 2017. It is now established in Western Australia and tightly managed under biosecurity regulation. TPP feeds on solanaceous crops: potato, tomato, capsicum, tamarillo and eggplant. Direct feeding stunts plants, but the greater concern is its association with Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, the bacterium responsible for Zebra Chip in potatoes.
Outside WA, TPP is not known to be established. Suspect finds must be reported under plant biosecurity.
How to identify
- Adult: 2-3mm, winged, looks like a tiny cicada, black and white markings on body
- Nymphs: flat, scale-like, yellow-green, fringed with fine waxy filaments
- Eggs: tiny yellow, on short stalks along leaf margins
- Damage: stunted yellowing plants, upward leaf curling, purplish tinge, potatoes show dark striping when fried
Life cycle
Egg to adult in 3-5 weeks at 22-27C. Multiple overlapping generations.
Weather triggers
- Temperature: 10-30°C
- Optimal 22-27C. Development slows markedly above 32C.
Peak season (southern hemisphere)
Red = active season · Dark red outlined = this month
Affected vegetables & crops
Click any crop to see current prices and growing info.
Climate zones at risk
Organic & low-impact control
- Yellow sticky traps for monitoring
- Horticultural oil or soap sprays on leaf undersides
- Release of generalist predators (lacewings, ladybird beetles)
Chemical control
- Commercial WA growers rely on a resistance-management programme. Home gardeners should avoid broad spectrum insecticides which destroy predators
Always read product labels. Registrations change.
Prevention
- Do not transport potato tubers or solanaceous seedlings out of affected areas
- Source seed potato from certified schemes
- Report suspect symptoms to WA DPIRD
Companion planting
No reliable companion deterrent is documented.
Biosecurity
Declared pest in Western Australia. Movement of host plants regulated. Still reportable outside WA.
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