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Potato Leafhopper Scouting in Alfalfa Fields

Summary

Bryan Jensen, University of Wisconsin Integrated Pest Management Program, takes you into the field to show you how to scout and manage potato leafhopper in alfalfa fields. Start scouting 5-7 days after first cut. Weekly Scouting -- 20 sweeps at 5 locations in each field. Because leafhopper population densities vary from year to year and from field to field, the only way to accurately determine damage potential is by monitoring fields on a weekly schedule. Damage symptoms appear as stunting and as yellowing of the leaves in a v-shaped pattern starting at the tip of a leaf.