His research group is providing updates on aphid activity in potato again this year. There is still not a lot of aphid flight activity at any of the locations. While that means that there is not presently a lot of aphid dispersal occurring, it does not mean that aphids aren't there. We have observed unusually high populations at our Rosemount, MN station. It is important to scout your fields now.
Aphids are hard to sample with a sweep-net or by shaking over a tray.
The best means of sampling for potato colonizing species such as green peach aphid is to examine leaves from the lower third of the potato plant. This is scarcely above the level of first detection. Also, if aphid numbers reach high levels it is probable that much virus spread has already occurred. There is no effective means of sampling for non-colonizing aphids other than to use pan traps. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent virus spread by non-colonizing aphids.