INFO-BUG

Crop Selected: Alfalfa
Crop Development: Second cutting (early summer)
Pest Selected: Alfalfa plant bug (APB)

Biology

Plant bugs should be noted when sampling for potato leafhopper with a sweet net.

Note: It is important that one not mistake plant bug nymphs for potato leafhoppers. These nymphs appear like large aphids, but they do not have cornicles (tailpipes).

No clear cut treatment threshold has been developed for alfalfa plant bug, but when numerous, one may adjust the decision to spray for potato leafhopper (i.e. if the potato leafhopper numbers are near but below threshold and plant bugs are numerous, then one may decide to treat for both.

Assessment

Plant bugs should be noted when sampling for potato leafhopper with a sweet net.

Note: It is important that one not mistake plant bug nymphs for potato leafhoppers. These nymphs appear like large aphids, but they do not have cornicles (tailpipes).

No clear cut treatment threshold has been developed for alfalfa plant bug, but when numerous, one may adjust the decision to spray for potato leafhopper (i.e. if the potato leafhopper numbers are near but below threshold and plant bugs are numerous, then one may decide to treat for both.

Control

Pesticide labels are seldom labeled specifically for the alfalfa plant bug, but reference is often made to plant bugs in general or to lygus bug, which is a close cousin to the alfalfa plant bug.

In general, any material applied for control of the potato leafhopper will also have a significant effect on the alfalfa plant bug.

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