Abstract
We examined the effects of nonhost plant diversity and predators on the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), and their primary host plant, alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. Potato leafhopper intensity (i.e., leafhoppers/alfalfa stem density) and plant damage (i.e., hopperburn) were significantly greater in alfalfa mono- than in polycultures of alfalfa mixed with nonhost plant species. There was no significant effect of nonhost plant diversity on pea aphid intensity or on predator abundance. Predator:prey ratios were higher in poly- than in monoculture. One predator, Nabis sp., was selected for further study. A microcosm experiment indicated that Nabis is an effective predator of both herbivores, and suggested that nonhost plant diversity may enhance the predation of leafhoppers by Nabis. These results suggest that nonhost plant diversity and Nabis limit leafhopper populations and protect alfalfa from herbivory. The potential for nonhost plants to increase herbivore movement and vulnerability to predation is discussed.
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