Bactericera Cockerelli
Bactericera cockerelli is a small insect known as the potato psyllid. It belongs to the family Psyllidae and is primarily found in North America. This pest is known for feeding on the sap of plants, particularly Solanum tuberosum, commonly known as the potato. Its feeding can cause damage to crops and lead to reduced yields.
In addition to direct damage, Bactericera cockerelli can transmit harmful bacteria, such as Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which causes a disease known as zebra chip in potatoes. Effective management of this pest is crucial for maintaining healthy potato crops and preventing economic losses for farmers.