Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa: The Potential for Improving Organic and Traditional Farming Systems

Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa: The Potential for Improving Organic and Traditional Farming Systems

Summary

Potato leafhopper susceptible and resistant varieties of alfalfa were seeded at six farms in the spring of 2004. Leafhoppers were monitored and forage yield measured throughout the seeding year.

Findings:
Potato leafhoppers were more dense on the susceptible varieties at least once in the seeding year on five of six farms.

Susceptible varieties were sprayed with insecticide at least once at each farm.

Total season dry matter yield were not different at five farms. The susceptible variety with insecticide yields more than the resistant variety at only one farm.

Summary:
Our preliminary finding suggest that potato leafhoppers resistant alfalfa varieties are an effective (both production and economical) alternative to insecticide use.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Tour Agenda and Directions:

9:30 AM – We will meet at Dan and Penny Ulmer’s Farm on Blanchard Street between Bellefonte and the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology in Pleasant Gap. The farm is located on the left and will have a Penn State Cooperative Extension Demonstration Sign marking the driveway. Topics Include: Potato Leaf Hopper Resistant Alfalfa Research, TARA Soybean Demonstration, and discussion of our Chlorophyll Meter used to predict nitrogen in corn.

10:45 AM – We will meet at Jim Walizer’s Farm. Directions from Ulmer’s are: Take Route 550 to the Y at Zion. Then turn left onto Route 64 North and go about 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Walizer Road, across from Mingoville turnoff. Signs will be posted. From there we will proceed to the Walizer Tree Farm just north on Route 64 to Hublersburg. Topics Include: Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Practices, Discuss the Local Pasture Network and Workshop Series(Allen Hollenbach & Beth Hirt), and a look at warm season grass management.

12:30 PM – We will meet at Joel Myers Pavillion for lunch. A picnic lunch and drink will be provided for a donation of $5.00. Directions: Take Blue Ball Road from Route 64 at Mingoville 5.8 miles to Route 192. Take a right on Route 192 and go .6 miles to Ridge Road. Take a left on Ridge Road and go 3.7 miles to Spring Mills. Turn right on Route 45 west < .1 mile. Turn left into spring mills on Fire Hall Road. < .1 mile. Turn right onto School House Road < .1 mile. Do not cross the bridge. Turn right onto Sinking Creek Road < .1 mile. Follow Sinking Creek Road 1.1 miles. Turn left on private road across Sinking Creek (Joels Woods). Go up the hill – pavilion is on the left. After lunch we will move to the Myer’s Farmstead Topics Include: Methane Digesters on Farms, EQIP Program, Nutrient Management, Soil Quality, Weed Control, and Residue Management in No-Till.
2:30 PM – Have a Safe Trip Home.
Certified Crop Advisor Credits and 1 Nutrient Management Continuing Education Credit will be offered.

Collaborators: