Effects of Various Insecticides on Early Fall Alfalfa Insects and Related Crop Yield and Quality

Abstract

Six insecticides and/or rates were applied for efficacy data collection for Empoasca sp. leafhoppers and threecornered alfalfa hoppers. Data were also collected on a number of other insects present. Samples were collected one, four, seven and ten days post treatment. Yield and quality data were obtained after baling. Data indicated that several insecticides effectively controlled threecornered alfalfa hopper, as well as provided control of Empoasca leafhoppers. The Baythroid 2 treatment increased yields by 0.3 tons/acre (35%) compared with the check, but yields across the various treatments did not correlate with insect control. Quality from the various treatments was similar. Application of Baythroid 2 at 2 oz/acre increased net return by $7.63/acre due to increased yields. No postiive economic returns were realized from any of the other treatments in this experiment.