Lucerne flea Lucerne fleas are about 3 mm long, pale green and can be seen hopping up from the pasture in response to movement. Lucerne fleas eat holes in the leaves of seedlings. Image Lucerne fleas attacking subteranean clover, producing the typical 'window effect' in the foliage. Image Close-up of lucerne flea Aphids Aphids are 2 to 3 mm in length, may or may not have wings and generally can be found feeding near the plant tips. They can cause similar losses to RLEM if left uncontrolled as numbers build up rapidly.
Aphids can cause leaf yellowing, leaf drop, stunting and seedling deaths.
Image Winged and wingless bluegreen aphids. Guide to the occurrence and control of aphids in tagasaste Time of attack May - September Control method Spot spraying may be sufficient if infection is localised. They can be difficult to detect because they feed at night and live in the soil during the day. Grubs may be identified if found at night or close to the surface near damaged plants. They chew off plants, often felling them to the ground.