INFO-BUG

Crop Selected: Alfalfa
Crop Development: Second cutting [early summer]
Pest Selected: Meadow Spittlebug (MSB) Philaenus spumarius

Biology

Following the onset of warm weather in the spring, spittle masses on alfalfa indicate spittlebug activity.

Close inspection of spittle mass will locate nymphs which require spittle as protection against natural elements.

Spittlebugs seldom build up in abundance to the point that treatment is justified.

However, one should not confuse the nymphs with nymphs of the potato leafhopper.

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Assessment

At least 30 stems should be inspected for MSB during inspections of first cutting alfalfa. Presumably, this procedure will be done during the sampling of 30 stems for alfalfa weevil.

Spittlebugs seldom build up to population levels to warrant control by chemical treatment.

However, if more than one spittle mass is found per stem, a rescue treatment may be justified.

Caution in treatment of spittlebug in the spring is warranted since unnecessary treatment may have negative impact on alfalfa weevil parasite populations.

Control

Chemicals labeled for control of spittlebug include the following:

- Ambush*
- Baythroid* 2
- Furadan* 4F
- Guthion* Solupak 50WP
- Lorsban* 4E
- Mustang*
- Pounce*
- Warrior* 1CS

* Use is restricted to certified applicators

Note: Unnecessary spraying for spittlebug may have adverse effect on beneficial alfalfa weevil parasites.

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