— by Jeff Whitworth and Holly Davis
Alfalfa weevils sampled this week were in all stages of larval development, although no pupae or adults were noted in any fields. Actually, no adult alfalfa weevils have been detected yet this year. Also, there is relatively little defoliation, at least so far, in north central Kansas.
No infestation levels exceeded 20% this week and most alfalfa is 10 – 16 inches tall and should grow better after recent rains. Alfalfa weevil infestation levels in north central Kansas have not been this low, overall, for many, many years!
Pea aphids are still present in all fields sampled but not in population levels that cause concern. Hopefully, they are currently just providing food for lady beetle populations. So, at the present time, it does not seem that alfalfa is at risk for damage by alfalfa weevils or pea aphids. For more information on alfalfa pest management, please see the Alfalfa Insect Management Guide: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf809.pdf