–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting
Potato leafhoppers continue to inhabit every alfalfa field sampled in north central Kansas. Populations are still mostly composed of adults but a few nymphs are emerging. These potato leafhoppers have few natural enemies and thus populations will just continue to increase. There are still relatively plentiful numbers of lady beetles and green lacewings in most alfalfa fields, and while they probably won’t help with potato leafhoppers, they should continue to help control any developing aphid populations.