Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #263307
Title: Diversity of arthropod pests from high latitude peony production

Author
item Pantoja, Alberto

Submitted to: Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/7/2011
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Peony (Paeonia spp.) is a fairly new crop to Alaska. Alaska has a late season with peony harvests into July-August when peony flowers are not readily available on the world markets. The University of Alaska Fairbanks has developed a production package to include variety performance, panting time, harvesting techniques and marketing tools. However insect pests are becoming a problem to peony growers in several areas of the state and little is known about insect pests of peonies in the circumpolar region. Research conducted by ARS in Alaska has identified aphids, thrips, a lepidopteran larva, and two species of Lygus affecting peony production in Alaska. Thrips and aphids can serve as vectors of diseases, affecting flower quality, and are considered actionable pests in export markets. Lygus and lepidopterans cause direct damage to flower buds and reduce yields.