Management Of Insects In Forage Crops
Alfalfa is one of the most important crops in the United States and a lot of producers grow Alfalfa for its agriculture benefits. However, there are insects affecting the growth of Alfalfa; these insects are alfalfa weevil, alfalfa snout beetle and the potato leafhopper; these insects are viewed by the producers under field-microscopes. The presence of alfalfa weevil and alfalfa snout beetle is visible before the first crop cutting and the potato leafhopper appears after the crop’s first cutting. These insects usually go back to the fields during springtime so that they can lay eggs in alfalfa plants, this can be prevented though, eggs are very small and they are not usually visible by our naked eyes so we need field-microscopes to check the presence of eggs on every stem of the alfalfa plants.
The alfalfa plant and the weevil both enjoy springtime, it is usually during the spring when they lay eggs more. After a certain stage they call larval development the alfalfa weevil creates a spider web like cocoon on the plant itself, sometimes on the dead leaves and mostly on the plant stem. This can be visibly seen but if you want to view how the cocoon was weaved, field-microscopes can help you see more. After a week or so, the adult weevil will come out of the cocoon and feed on the plant for another period of time. The alfalfa weevil undergo some resting period, feed, and lay more eggs but since they can only live through one generation each year most the eggs they produce can’t survive until winter.
In controlling these alfalfa weevils you must start checking as early as May to check the first sign of attack. The advice given was to pick up at least 50 stems randomly and check the buds and leaves for the primary sign of attack such as holes that shows feeding of the weevil. Once you signs of infestation, check the percentage of the damage before you proceed on the treatment. You can view the leaves samples you acquire by using field-microscopes. The treatment will depend on the degree of damage of the alfalfa crops.
The most common and the most plentiful among these insects is the potato leafhopper. They are considered the most damaging pest in Alfalfa crops, some insects only chew the leaf tissue, however the leafhopper sucks the plant and thus removes the sap of the plant and can injure the plants. The signs of leafhopper infestation is the yellow and red color that can be seen on the leaflets of the alfalfa, you can see this on field-microscopes as well.
If this thing happens it will decrease the production of the plant and usually destroys the young seedlings as well. The potato leafhopper appears to be very small and can be seen on field-microscopes. They also look like a wedge and they are green in color. The eggs are only seen by using field-microscopes.
It is difficult to determine the damage and the solution because the early detection of the pest does not guarantee solution. To check the degree of crop damage, it is advised that you take an insect net and sweep it while you walk around the Alfalfa crops. Once you acquire the percentage of the infestation you can proceed on what management options you will choose.
The last one to affect the alfalfa crops since 1930 is called the Alfalfa Snout beetle, these insects appear to be gray and humpbacked, they do not fly and they usually half an inch long. If you suspect the fist sign of infestation you should report it immediately to the one in charge of the agriculture in your community to stop the damage as soon as possible.
