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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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LYGUS BUGS CAUSING BLOSSOM-DROP AND SHRIVELED SEED IN ALFALFA |
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| Several species of Lygus bugs (also known as plant bugs) are commonly found in alfalfa. These bugs overwinter as adults and may be found in alfalfa throughout the entire growing season, completing generations every 4-6 weeks. However, the most serious threat of losses occurs in seed production because feeding by both immatures and adults can be quite damaging to buds, blossoms, and seed pods. Feeding by Lygus bugs usually causes death of infested plant parts resulting in blasting of buds, shedding of blossoms, and shriveling of seeds. Although infestations may be detected and controlled before alfalfa begins to bloom, Lygus bugs are strong fliers and often migrate into fields after bloom and seed set has begun. Seed production fields should be scouted weekly after bloom by use of a sweepnet. If populations of Lygus bugs exceed 4 per sweep, apply a short residual insecticide such as Methoxchlor during evening hours when pollinating bees are not foraging. |
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| Richard Berberet,
Alfalfa Entomologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Oklahoma State University |
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