Producer Perceptions and Pest Management Practices in Iowa Alfalfa

Abstract

In June 1997, 1900 self-administered surveys were sent to Iowa alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) producers. The sample was split into early adopter and general populations. Early adopters were those producers who purchased potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae (Harris)] resistant alfalfa seed during the first year it was available commercially. The general population was randomly selected and no producer was present in both populations. Producers were asked questions on pest perceptions, management practices, and perceptions of leafhopper-resistant alfalfa. Seven hundred forty-seven usable surveys were returned. Results showed that the early adopter population farmed larger production systems and produced more alfalfa per acre than the general population. Overall, producers from the early adopter population had greater fundamental knowledge of serious alfalfa pests than producers from the general population. The potato leafhopper was reported as the most important pest in both populations. Producers seemed confused between the injury symptoms of potato leafhopper and alfalfa weevil [Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)] injury, and it was apparent that leafhopper injury symptoms were often confused with drought stress. Positive relationships were found between the frequency of scouting, the frequency of insecticide use, and alfalfa yield. The majority of producers expected leafhoppers to avoid resistant alfalfa varieties, resulting in smaller pest infestations. Adoption of leafhopper-resistant alfalfa probably will be limited by producers' knowledge of previous yield loss from this pest. Results of this survey will be used to develop improved educational materials on insect pest management in alfalfa.