First identifications of aphid and diamondback moth populations on wasabi in British Columbia

Wasabi is a highly valued crop in the Pacific Northwest where commercial production is increasing. To date, little attention has been paid to its invertebrate pests. Two wasabi polyhouses in Agassiz, BC, were monitored for insect pests for 15 months. Pemphigus populitransversus Riley (poplar petiole gall aphid) recurred annually in winter months on roots throughout the polyhouses. Lipaphis pseudobrassicae Davis (turnip aphid) infested the leaves of a large number of plants. Myzus persicae Sulzer (green peach aphid) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (potato aphid) were noted in very low numbers. Plutella xylostella Linnaeus (diamondback moth) caused shot-hole damage of the leaves. Further investigation into the role of insects as vectors and their role in pathogen pathways on this unique crop is needed.