Potato Leafhoppers Are Here

These are the most important alfalfa insect pests in the U.S. Producers in the Midwest have to control these "suckers" every summer.  

If not controlled, potato leafhoppers will stunt the second and/or third hay crop, allowing it to get only about a foot tall. Leaves turn yellow, beginning at the tips. Sometimes the yellowing forms distinct V's coming down the leaflet toward the stem. This damage is often known as "hopperburn".  

In Oklahoma, we normally do not often have potato leafhoppers at economic levels in alfalfa. Nevertheless, they are usually pretty easy to find in eastern Oklahoma.  

In the central part of the state, these insects can be found during June and July, but I have never known a producer to spray and we have never sprayed research plots. Seed production fields are sometimes treated for leafhoppers.  

Veteran alfalfa producers say they have never seen the potato leafhopper in the western part of the state. There may have been some damage, but it is a pretty good secret.  

In recent years, the potato leafhopper is everywhere across the state. Several fields have been severely stunted with the bright yellow leaves and leafhoppers present. Insecticides can be used for control. Be sure to cut all the alfalfa or be ready to spray. Alfalfa plants left along field borders or along the swather corners should be cut, or leafhoppers will reinfest the new growth.  

Fields should be scouted closely for this insect that usually just blows by us from its overwintering sites into the corn belt.  

During this part of the year, potato leafhopper symptoms are often mistaken for drought. If you have droughty alfalfa, look closely for "hopperburn".