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Insecticide application timing effects on alfalfa insect communities.

Micah McClure1, Judith Herreid1, Randa Jabbour1

  • 1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, #3354, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.

Journal of Economic Entomology
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PubMed
Summary

Early insecticide application in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) showed variable efficacy against pests like the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) but may benefit beneficial insects. Further research on spray timing impacts is needed.

Keywords:
alfalfa weevilgeneralist predatorslambda-cyhalothrinpyrethroidspray timing

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Entomology
  • Pest Management
  • Insect Ecology

Background:

  • Insecticide application timing is critical for efficacy due to variations in weather and pest/crop development.
  • Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) producers seek early-season insecticide options to avoid pre-harvest applications for pests like the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of early versus standard timing of lambda-cyhalothrin application on alfalfa pest and beneficial insect populations.
  • To assess the impact of insecticide spray timing on arthropod community composition in alfalfa.

Main Methods:

  • Field trials were conducted in 2020 and 2021 at a university research farm.
  • Lambda-cyhalothrin was applied at two timings: early-season and standard (near harvest).
  • Populations of target pests (alfalfa weevil, Lygus bugs, grasshoppers, aphids) and beneficial insects (ladybird beetles, spiders, damsel bugs) were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Early application was effective against alfalfa weevil in 2020 but less so in 2021 compared to standard timing.
  • Insecticide timing effects on Lygus bugs, grasshoppers, and aphids were inconsistent between years.
  • Early application showed potential to reduce negative impacts on ladybird beetles and spiders, while damsel bug populations were reduced regardless of timing.
  • Arthropod community composition varied significantly by year and treatment timing.

Conclusions:

  • Insecticide spray timing in alfalfa influences pest control efficacy and non-target arthropod impacts, with year-to-year variability.
  • Early-season applications may offer some benefits for beneficial arthropods but require careful consideration due to inconsistent pest control.
  • Further research is needed to understand the broader implications of spray timing at larger spatial scales.