Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 (available 24 hours)
April 2017
Tomato potato psyllid – community sampling
Tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is a serious pest that affects a range of plants including potato, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, chilli, tamarillo, goji berry and sweet potato.
It has been found on over 60 properties in Western Australia to date (as of 24 March 2017). With the exception of Norfolk Island, an external Australian territory, this is the first time the psyllid has been detected on the Australian mainland.
To date TPP has not been detected in South Australia or any other states.
However biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. While TPP does not pose a risk to human health, its potential impacts on our $1 billion horticultural industry and backyard crops mean that we all need to be vigilant in looking for the pest.
Sampling for TPP on residential properties
Focus on host crops for TPP (potato, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, chilli, tamarillo, goji berry and sweet potato).
TPP nymphs and adults are usually found in the middle rather than the top of a plant. Immature stages are usually found on the underside of the leaves.
TPP nymphs looks like immature scale insects. The young nymphs are flat and yellow with a fringe of short spines around the edge of the body. Older nymphs are greener.
TPP produces honey dew which forms white crystals on the plant
If possible, inspect or sample 100 leaves from the property. As studies have shown that TPP is often found on the edge of affected properties target these areas.
Record the results of your survey at our web reporting tool (https://form.jotform.co/70732909804864), even if no suspect samples were collected. Remember recording negative results are important as it provides evidence that this pest does not exist in South Australia.
If a suspect sample is found, take a photograph of the pest and upload it to our web reporting tool.
If possible a diagnosis will be provided based on your photograph. If this cannot occur, a PIRSA staff member will be in contact to collect more details and/or arrange to pick up a sample for closer inspection.
If in doubt about submitting a sample or for more information, please contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Photo credit: Pia Scanlon, DAFWA Entomology 2017