7). It does not normally impact the first cutting of established alfalfa stands. Younger alfalfa is more susceptible to damage at lower leafhopper numbers. An early symptom of leafhopper damage is a triangular or V-shaped yellow or purple area at the tip of alfalfa leaves. Potato leafhopper, a small bright green insect which migrates annually from the gulf coast to Kentucky on wind currents (Figure 1), can cause significant injury to alfalfa if left unmanaged. However, potato leafhoppers can stress alfalfa in 2 ways–removing plant fluids due to their feeding with the simultaneous injection of a toxin (see fig 2 of “hopper … Other small leafhoppers found in alfalfa are brown or gray in color and do no apparent damage. This is the ideal type of weather pattern that favors high potato leafhoppers feeding and damage in both alfalfa and dry beans. Obviously, it is a little late for this season’s crop but something to consider for future seedings. The storms also brought potato leafhoppers along with the rain. Damage symptoms first appear as wedge … The amount of damage that potato leafhoppers cause is related to the size of insect population and height of alfalfa. Potato leafhopper is more sporadic in our peanut fields than threecornered alfalfa hopper, but the “hopper burn” that is caused by its feeding can be dramatic. Other green leafhoppers may be present in alfalfa, such as the threecornered alfalfa hopper, but they are much larger in size. Figure 6. EmpoascafabaeHarris. The treatment threshold for potato leafhoppers is variable as the economics of hay production is so dynamic depending upon the end use of the hay. As it feeds, it injects a toxin, resulting in a decrease in the plant nutritional quality. Leafhoppers turn alfalfa yellow and stunt growth, and they especially hurt new seedlings. Though its host range extends to over 100 plants including alfalfa, soybean, beans, apples, potatoes, and grapes, the potato leafhopper causes the most significant amount of injury to alfalfa and … As the crop grows, it can handle a greater number of leafhoppers. Potato leafhopper is an occasional soybean pest and is most often noticed in early-vegetative fields (Fig. Many farmers are unaware of t Potato leafhopper uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to remove plant juices. The period since the storm passed through has had hot, dry weather. If alfalfa is more than seven days from a cut and plants are under normal stress, a good rule of thumb for a treatment threshold is: when the number of leafhoppers in a 10-sweep set is equal to or greater than the height of the alfalfa. In alfalfa, sample using a sweep net and treat based on a combination of potato leafhopper number per sweep and average plant height. Also, first-year alfalfa fields should be monitored closely, as they tend to be more susceptible to potato leafhopper injury. Research has shown that potato leafhopper resistant alfalfa is consistently higher in quality than susceptible alfalfa varieties with or without potato leafhopper … The most common damage symptom is a yellow, wedge-shaped area at the tip of the leaf … Very often, infestations go unnoticed until hopper burn is observed. Regrowth (plants under 3 inches) is particularly vulnerable to potato leafhopper damage. Damaging numbers must be determined before symptoms appear. While the damage created is not as dramatic as an alfalfa weevil outbreak, leafhopper damage is more chronic and widespread. Both potato leafhopper adults and nymphs feed on alfalfa, but the most serious damage is caused by the nymphs. Potato Leafhopper. Damage. Potato leafhopper (PLH) is the most damaging alfalfa insect pest in Ontario. The tips of leaves will turn bright yellow in a characteristic “v” shaped pattern. … The threshold values are: The potato leafhopper is an important insect pest of alfalfa, fruits, and vegetables. Established fields should be sampled after first cutting, while new fields (fall- or spring-seeded) should be sampled beginning about May 25. Severe infestations are often associated with fields located near alfalfa fields. Infestations in later cuttings can stunt growth … Damage is most severe in new seedings and young regrowth. Hot, dry weather is high risk. A third option for control is planting PLH-resistant alfalfa. This discoloration is caused by a toxin the leafhopper injects into the alfalfa plant as it sucks out plant juices. There are numerous reports of alfalfa fields with … Leafhoppers feeding and damage in Both alfalfa and dry beans PLH-resistant alfalfa feeding and damage in Both alfalfa dry... 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