NEWARK, Del. - Now that alfalfa fields are beginning to be harvested for the second time, be sure to sample fields on a weekly basis for potato leafhoppers, says Joanne Whalen, University of Delaware extension pest management specialist. Leafhopper damage can quickly result in up to 25 percent reduction in protein content and 50 percent reduction in yield, so be sure to begin sampling for leafhoppers once the regrowth reaches 2 inches in height. Since leafhoppers cannot overwinter in this area, first cutting alfalfa generally escapes damage. Whalen says the most significant damage will be found on spring seedlings and the regrowth of the second and third cuttings. Both adult and immature Gelsinger Farm the farm’s dairy manure isn’t a problem. In 1969 Gelsinger built a then state-of-the-art 50-foot diameter concrete manure storage structure. The unit’s 170,000 gallon capacity gives the farm three months of storage. The unit is emptied before freeze-up some time in December and the weather invariably breaks sometime in mid-March, allowing the Gelsingers to apply manure to their rye before the spring growing season. Chiseling about a third of their corn ground allows them to incorporate some of the manure, and manure is also spread on the barley stubble before soybeans are planted. The steepest ground is reserved for pasture for dry cows and young stock, and Gelsinger keeps this productive through regular fer tilizing, liming and clipping. Gelsinger also employs diver sions, and sod waterways where needed, but he believes keeping crops and plant residue on the soil minimizes the need for terraces. “If you hold the water where it falls you don’t need too many terraces,’’ he observes. “If you have cover, you can absorb water you wouldn’t believe.” Successful no-tilling requires good management and plenty of leafhoppers attack alfalfa. However, the most significant damage is caused by the immature forms. Their feeding produces yellow wedge-shaped areas on the leaf tips called “hopper bum.” Heavy infestations will cause an entire field to turn yellow. “Be sure that you do not confuse leafhopper damage with boron deficiency,” cautions the specialist. “Boron deficiency will show up on the newest leaves while leafhopper injury occurs on the lower leaves.” Whalen notes that if summer weather conditions are a repeat of last year, farmers can expect to see large leafhopper populations in many fields. “The insect can develop from egg to adult in only three weeks when the weather is hot and dry,” she says. “So (Continued from Page A 25) preplanning, Gelsinger points out. For one thing, it’s easy to plant com too early in rye because the cover crop keeps the soil cooler and wetter in the spring. After a number of years in a no till program, the deeper rooted weeds can be a problem, too. This year Gelsinger pressed his moldboard plow bade into service to control perennial weeds in some areas where small grains were planted. No-till crops are also more susceptible to insect damage, says Gelsinger. Following a bout with army worms three years ago, Gelsinger began applying an in- secticide when his com was planted, followed by a herbicide insecticide combination shortly after the plants emerged. “I can’t guarantee that you’ll save any dollars by planting no till,” says Gelsinger, noting that his chemical inputs are higher than they were when tillage was his primary means of controlling weeds and insects. But the only way to ensure the future of your farm is to keep the topsoil in place, he emphasizes. “The erosion control and the better utilization of moisture is your advantage with no-till,” Gelsinger sums up. Be Alert For Leafhoppers In Alfalfa populations can go undetected unless sampled on a weekly basis.” The specialist advises farmers to sample fields weekly until the final cutting. Base treatment decisions on a random sample of 20 sweeps taken in five locations throughout a field. The decision to treat is also based on plant height, so collect six stems from the same five areas and measure each stem from base to growing tip to get an average plant height. Then use the following guidelines in deciding whether or not to spray. Plant Height 3 inches or less 4 to 6 inches 7 to 11 inches 12 inches or taller “The critical period for damage to alfalfa is when plants are less than 9 inches in height,” says Whalen, “so early detection is important. Once the alfalfa is 12 inches in height, the plants can tolerate more feeding without suffering significant economic loss.” Growers often ask Whalen if alfalfa that is close to harvest should be sprayed or harvested when they find threshold levels of leafhoppers. 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If high populations were present before harvest and no insecticide was applied, the specialist says to be sure to check fields soon after harvest for leafhoppers feeding on the regrowth. “Good insect control can also be used to help minimize disease losses in alfalfa,” Whalen con tinues. “Timely insecticide ap Leafhoppers per 100 sweeps ICE CREAM FREEZERS! BELOW WHOLESALE! 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This will help to reduce leaf drop and thus conserve feed value. While checking for insect activity,be sure to note the severity of leaf spot present and mow early if the in fection is severe.
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