Sampling and Distribution of Potato Leafhopper1 Eggs in Alfalfa Stems2

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Abstract
The distribution of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), eggs in alfalfa stems was studied in 2 fields in Montgomery Co., Va. to develop sampling plans for studies on leafhopper population dynamics. Stems collected in the field were cleared and stained with a lactophenol-acid fuchsin mixture. This permitted visual observation of the eggs inside the stems. Egg density in the field and their allocation in the plant were determined from June through Aug. 1976. Eggs were found mainly in the primary and lateral stems, with ca. 3% in the leaf petioles, but none in the leaves or leaf midribs. Succulent plant tissue was preferred for oviposition. Eggs were seldom found more than 17 cm from the growing tip. As the primary stem lignified, more eggs were placed in the lateral stems. Egg distribution patterns generally fit the negative binomial model. Sampling efficiency based on this distribution was in most cases only reliable within a 30% coefficient of variation due to low egg densities.

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