New tomato/potato psyllid pest attacking New Zealand crops

The tomato/potato psyllid from North America was first found in New Zealand in 2006, and is still spreading throughout the country.

The psyllid can transmit a bacterium, Liberibacter, that is believed to cause the disease ‘psyllid yellows’ in tomatoes and potatoes, and to cause ‘zebra chip’ in cooked potato tubers. These diseases can drastically reduce the quality and yield of infected crops.

Plant & Food Research has produced a leaflet to help home gardeners recognise the pest and its associated diseases, including guidance on control methods.