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Insects aplenty
Kansas Potato leafhoppers are starting to show up in alfalfa and soybean fields. In Kansas, they are not usually a problem in soybeans but can be damaging to alfalfa. These insects generally arrive in Kansas about the time the second cutting of alfalfa is ready and can cause significant damage to the crop through the rest of the summer. Potato leafhoppers are lime green, torpedo or wedge-shaped insects with white eyes. They are very active insects and the adults will quickly hop or fly short distances when disturbed. Nymphs are similar in color and shape but lack wings. Potato leafhoppers have piercing-sucking mouthparts so when they feed they remove fluids and thus nutrients from the plants. This feeding may cause yellowing or reddening of the foliage and may lead to stunting. First indications of leafhopper feeding is a wedge or v-shaped yellowing at the leaf tip, commonly called hopper burn. As leaves turn yellow, crude protein is reduced, making it less valuable for livestock. Continued feeding may stunt the plants, reduce yields and allow weeds to grow. If potato leafhopper feeding continues over several cuttings, future yield potential and winter survival may be affected. If you are producing alfalfa, scout now. Treatment should be considered before feeding causes yellowing and/or stunting. One application is usually sufficient if applied as a stubble spray. For treatment thresholds and labeled insecticides, please refer to the 2007 Alfalfa Insect Management Guide or online at: www.oznet.ksu.edu or from your District Office. Alfalfa varieties Konza and Riley have potato leafhopper resistance and are recommended for new plantings. Insect monitoring in the Manhattan area indicate that now is the time to apply longer-residual systemic grubacides if preventative measures are a part of lawn/turf maintenance programs. Two active ingredients (imidacloprid and halofenozize) are formulated into various products for sale to and use by homeowners. Both are systemic. A post-treatment irrigation is important for moving the active ingredients into the soil where they can be picked up by plant root systems. When grubs feed on roots, they ingest the active ingredients. Imidacloprid is a nerve poison whereas halofenozide is an insect growth regulator which disrupts the normal molting process. A third active ingredient has recently received registration for use in controlling grubs in turf. Thiamethoxam is incorporated into the product, Meridian, which is marketed to licensed and certified lawn care specialists. Date: 7/19/07
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