Keep a close watch for aphids in potato crops in early July.

As temperatures rise, aphid populations can increase rapidly. Regular crop monitoring is essential, as early detection gives growers the best opportunity to make timely and effective control decisions.

Aphids transmit a number of damaging potato viruses (more than any other group of pests), including Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) or Potato virus Y (PVY). Infection can reduce yield, affect tuber quality and lead to significant yield losses.

Clayton Sparta™ (50 g/L lambda-cyhalothrin) and Clayton Lanark™ (100 g/L lambda-cyhalothrin) are targeted insecticides that provide effective control of a wide range of aphid species in potatoes, including:

• Peach-potato aphid
• Potato aphid
• Buckthorn-potato aphid
• Other key aphid species

Read more in our pest control focus below…