{"id":168021,"date":"2025-08-18T05:00:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T09:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/?p=168021"},"modified":"2025-08-12T19:03:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T23:03:27","slug":"wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/08\/wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses\/","title":{"rendered":"Fight Potato Viruses with Wildflowers: 9 Flowers to Try"},"content":{"rendered":"

Potato virus Y<\/span><\/a> is a huge threat to potato crop<\/strong> stability in North America and Europe. Farmers are most concerned about the necrotic strain, which affects varieties of potatoes more severely than the common strain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These viruses cause mottled leaves and, eventually, plant death. Necrotic strains damage foliage as well as tubers, which rot from the inside out. Not only is the virus spread via infected tools and plants, but its main vector is aphids<\/strong>. Therefore, farms that haven\u2019t dealt with the virus yet can prevent it by controlling aphids in their potato crops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Integrated pest management denotes that one of the best ways to keep pest numbers down is to plant wildflowers<\/strong>. These attract aphid predators and limit their ability to spread viruses in areas where they may be common.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>primary predators<\/span><\/a> of the potato aphid are lady beetles, <\/span>carabid beetles<\/span>, spiders, syrphid flies, green lacewings, and midges. Plants that attract these are great preventatives for potato viruses<\/strong> that aphids spread. Thankfully, many of them double as ecologically restorative.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunflowers<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"A
Tall blooms invite lady beetles for natural pest control.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Any type of sunflower<\/a> attracts lady beetles<\/strong>. Both adults and lady beetle nymphs feed voraciously on aphids. They don\u2019t discriminate between young and mature aphids, either. Farms in proximity to sunflower fields are likely to have fewer problems with pests, as they attract a slew of predators in the insect and animal kingdoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to attract the green lacewing, which also feeds heavily on aphids, but mostly in its larval phase, plant Maximillian sunflowers<\/strong>. These North American native plants provide excellent habitat for beneficial predators. They also spread and grow easily, blooming from summer through the milder parts of fall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One note on some sunflowers: they take up a lot of space<\/strong>. Plant them where they can spread out, and where they won\u2019t overcrowd other crops or natural areas. Use them as a conservation feature on your farm where there\u2019s plenty of room to grow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yarrow<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"A
Yarrow works well tucked among other resilient native plants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, it would be a mistake to mention integrated pest management<\/a> without including yarrow. One of the most vigorous and lovely native plants, yarrow is a beneficial insect powerhouse<\/strong>. It attracts many predators of aphids, and others too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plant yarrow among other plants, but provide some space so it doesn\u2019t bully them. It can be grown among other plants (unlike the Maximillian sunflower), but it can be aggressive in optimal environments. However, a strip of yarrow between potato rows is a great idea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Intermix yarrow with other native plants, and you have prairie strips<\/a> that buffer cultivated land<\/strong>, adding to restoration efforts or initiating them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Milkweed<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Close-up
Planting near crops brings an extra pollination boost.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Known as the premier host for monarch butterflies<\/a>, milkweed also attracts lady beetles<\/strong>. But that\u2019s not where the benefits end. Hummingbirds are aphid predators, and they love to sip nectar from milkweed flowers. Bees provide pollination to milkweeds and any crops nearby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like yarrow, it makes sense to plant milkweed alongside your potatoes, keeping them out of the same bed. Milkweed will do well on its own or in a strip of prairie plants. Its stems contain a toxic sap<\/strong> that can irritate skin, so keeping it in an area that receives little human intervention is a good idea. This gives monarchs the space to do their thing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Buckwheat<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"A
Tiny flowers draw helpful syrphid flies nearby.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a cover crop, buckwheat is an excellent choice. It\u2019s a quick-growing <\/span>living mulch<\/span><\/a>, suppressing weeds<\/strong> as it grows. It can grow in poor soil, requiring little amendment to thrive. Its roots also scavenge for phosphorus. This makes it a good candidate for interplanting with potatoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Its flowers are a huge syrphid fly attractant<\/strong>, too. These guys are another viable predator that keeps aphid numbers down when potatoes are flourishing. With numerous commercial sources for buckwheat, it is one of the more accessible plants listed here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For farmers who want to use regenerative practices<\/a> on their farm, there are numerous native species<\/strong> to pick from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Native Grasses<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Tall
Native grasses support natural pest control and healthy grazing lands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For carabid beetles<\/strong>, the best attractors are native grasses. Ranchers benefit from using natives in their pastures, and even more so if those pastures are rotated in a restorative model. This means it\u2019s possible to have multiple revenue streams on the farm if there\u2019s room for them \u2013 from cattle and from food crops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of whether or not grazing animals are a part of the farm, including native grasses will reduce aphid numbers<\/strong> when they grow nearby. Plant them in strips or in close proximity to your potatoes. By doing so, you bring in aphid predators, and also host butterflies, skippers, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grass seeds are food for birds in winter<\/strong>, and deer appreciate native grasses as well. If having white-tailed deer on your farm for leasing to hunters is something you\u2019ve wanted, here\u2019s your chance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wild Mustard<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Clusters
Works well as a natural bug control in gardens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You\u2019ve probably seen some kind of weedy brassica plant on your farm. What if you learned these are a food source for syrphid flies<\/a>? Mustards are employed as cover crops, but they\u2019re also one of the primary attractants for hoverflies<\/strong>. This includes some cultivated mustards, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoverflies don\u2019t just feed on aphids. They prey on scale insects and thrips too. Flower farmers who have trouble with western flower thrips<\/strong> will get a boost from planting different mustards. Many are beautiful and work as fillers in cut flower bouquets, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Queen Anne\u2019s Lace<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"A
Vigorous lace flowers attract lots of aphid-eating insects.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A common sight on the flower farm is Queen Anne\u2019s lace, and hoverflies love this one, too<\/strong>. While it\u2019s not advisable to plant this one in areas where it is invasive (<\/span>which are many<\/span><\/a>), it is a good food source for aphid predators.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because it can be vigorous even outside its invasive range, your best bet is to plant it in strips near your potato rows. Give it space, and if you decide to interplant it with another flowering species, opt for one that can handle the intensity of Queen Anne\u2019s lace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Penstemon<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Close-up
Early spring blooms attract helpful lacewings nearby.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beardtongues are similar to foxgloves in their floral shape. They have a similar habit and are often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Coincidentally, green lacewings love these flowers<\/strong>, and the adults will enjoy the nectar of the plants while their larvae will rid your potatoes of aphids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is another perfect candidate for North American regenerative farms that want to include restorative practices in their food cultivation. There are over <\/span>280 native species<\/span><\/a> to choose from, and all commonly bloom from early spring up to summer<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planting these, include them in strips that have longer blooming plants in them to keep predators on the farm, rather than searching elsewhere for another food source.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Saltbush<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Silvery-green,
Beneficial insects love visiting saltbrush flowers for sweet nectar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the western half of North America, farmers benefit from planting <\/span>Atriplex canescens<\/span><\/i>, or <\/span>fourwing saltbrush<\/span><\/a>. This Amaranth family member is a source of food for green lacewings<\/strong>, which flit between it and potatoes to consume nectar and predate. This plant has a long history of use among indigenous peoples as a dye and a fuel source.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Farmers should plant multiples of this plant to keep it going on the farm. There is a ton of genetic diversity between plants, and there is little consistency between plants with male and female flowers. Therefore, many plantings will ensure survival.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Include this one on your potato farm to cultivate a piece of native plant history!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Winecups<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Bright
Great for farms with wild edges and tight spots.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another spring to summer bloomer, winecups are a boon for potatoes due to their ability to bring in green lacewings. They tend to do quite well on borders, making them a good choice for farms that have a smaller cultivation space, and lots of wild areas on the edges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll bring in a ton of bumble bees<\/strong> with this one, making it possible to <\/span>produce potato seed<\/span><\/a> (as opposed to tuber seeds) if you want to. Even if that\u2019s not your end goal, lacewings keep the aphid populations under control, preventing viruses<\/strong> that devastate crops.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n

full_link<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

This Modern Farmer Wants You to Grow a New Potato Strain<\/p>\n

\n

Also known as Johnny Potato Seed, this small farmer turned a plot of land in Wisconsin into the epicenter of an international potato breeding movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Farmers who have encountered potato viruses know there is no viable treatment for them. But preventative measures go beyond ensuring seed quality is high. Here are 9 wildflowers that attract predators of the aphid vector species. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2074,"featured_media":168036,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":[],"meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33067],"tags":[],"article-theme":[],"class_list":["post-168021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-farm"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFight Potato Viruses with Wildflowers: 9 Flowers to Try<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how you can fight potato viruses with wildflowers, and get recommendations for flowers to try!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/08\/wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fight Potato Viruses with Wildflowers: 9 Flowers to Try\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how you can fight potato viruses with wildflowers, and get recommendations for flowers to try!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/08\/wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Modern Farmer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ModernFarmerMedia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-18T09:00:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sarah Jay\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ModFarm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ModFarm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sarah Jay\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/08\/wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/08\/wildflowers-fight-potato-viruses\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sarah Jay\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/#\/schema\/person\/68fd59d96436bae0ee57d452c85abc04\"},\"headline\":\"Fight Potato Viruses with Wildflowers: 9 Flowers to 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It was during my time at college that I began to delve into the relationship between humans and plants across the world. Over time, I learned to grow edible plants in my garden at home. That led me to fall in love with the Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairie ecoregions where I live. I spend a lot of time restoring prairies and learning about the native plants of North Texas. I also co-manage a community garden that sends donations to a local food bank. My goal in life is to educate and empower readers to grow practically, and along with their local ecosystems so they can achieve the gardens of their dreams. In 2022, I was certified as a Texas Master Naturalist. With that knowledge, I focus on invasive removal and habitat restoration at home. I enjoy growing wildflowers in my yard, and watching the wildlife benefit from those plantings. When I\u2019m not immersed in the bounty of the earth, I\u2019m making music, reading, cooking, and collaging.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarah-jay-267bb744\/"],"url":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/author\/sarah-jay\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168021","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2074"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=168021"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168021\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/168036"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=168021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=168021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=168021"},{"taxonomy":"format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/format?post=168021"},{"taxonomy":"article-theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-theme?post=168021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}