This sap-sucking insect can cut alfalfa yields in half and even kill seedlings when populations are high and left unmanaged. Adult and nymphal potato leafhopper. Severe hopperburn and plant stunting. Most of Iowa's first cutting probably escaped yield loss due to leafhoppers even though leaf symptoms began to show as the crop reached maturity. Unfortunately, the delayed harvest of the first cutting provided more time for leafhopper nymphs to reach the adult stage and this probably will contribute to problems in the regrowth.
Leafhoppers prefer to feed and lay eggs in young, succulent alfalfa.
Therefore, regrowth in first-cut fields will be a prime target for this pest and these fields should be scouted regularly to avoid losses. However, don't assume that fields cut later are without risk. Leafhoppers will eventually reappear in most alfalfa fields after harvest. Scouting should continue in the third cutting even though potato leafhoppers are less likely to cause extensive losses in this cutting. Scouting for potato leafhopper is quick and easy and essential in helping make correct control decisions.