Project Results

To determine the distribution of new invasive aphid, Metopolophium festucae cerealium (Mfc) in the Pacific Northwest, USA, we sampled 36 sites (1-4 times each) in Idaho, Montana, and Washington during June-July of 2019.  We surveyed Mfc by taking 150 sweep samples along two transects at each of the 36 sites. The collected Mfc, along with other aphids, were identified, counted, and mapped. Since this year is mostly aphid-free year, we collected fewer Mfc in 2019 compared to last year. Other aphids monitered in this region were also significantly lower this year compared to last years (for example, see: https://www.legumevirusproject.org/locations-and-data?yr=2019&site=). Nevertheless, the new invasive aphid is still expanding, as it was detected this year for the first time from southern Idaho (see map). 

We thank you all again for your generous support to this project. We will continue our Mfc survey and monitoring in the coming years too.

About This Project

Through surveys, this project will delineate the expanding range of a new invasive aphid, Metopolophium festucae cerealium (Mfc) in the Pacific Northwest. A known pest of cereal crops in its native range in the UK, this pest became abundant in wheat at many locations in the Pacific Northwest by 2011. The extent of its current distribution, whether it is spreading, and how much injury it causes will be assessed through the work of this project.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Metopolophium festucae cerealium, Mfc, is a new species in North America, and very little is known about its ecology, invasive range, or its role as a disease vector. Many aphids transmit plant viruses, which makes them a major risk to crops. Now that Mfc has been found in the US, it's important to identify how it interacts with other aphids in managed and natural ecosystems. As a first step, we will determine the distribution, range, and abundance of this pest in cereal crops and natural grasslands in the Northwestern US

What is the significance of this project?

Wheat is a key crop in the drylands of Pacific Northwest, but several insect pests reduce its yield annually. Like other aphids in the Pacific Northwest, this new invasive aphid may cause yield losses by feeding plant tissues, by transmitting viruses to the plants, or both. Hence, determining the severity of infestation of this economically important invasive aphid pest is important to formulate control methods and minimize or prevent the further spread. Furthermore, the presence of the aphid in natural habitats of the Pacific Northwest is not well described, so its presence and potential to influence these ecosystems remains unknown.

What are the goals of the project?

The first goal of this project is to determine through surveys the occurrence, abundance, and impacts of a new invasive aphid in North America in annual cereal crops and in natural and semi-natural grassland habitats across the region. The second goal is to communicate this information to the public to help citizens and producers respond to the presence of this aphid. By taking 150 sweep samples along two transects at each site, we will sample 50 wheat fields and 50 grassland habitats in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Montana during the periods of its likely peak abundance. The collected Mfc will be counted to determine abundance and severity (% of samples in each transect containing Mfc) and the results will be shared with the growers and public.