Three-year Test for Meadow Spittlebug Control in Alfalfa

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Abstract
Low volume emulsion sprays were tested over a 3-year period for control of Philaenus leucophthalmus in Wisconsin. Phosphates, nitro paraffins, and insecticides of plant origin were not effective. Chlorinated hydrocarbons as a group were effective and dieldrin, lindane, toxaphene, and methoxychlor, in the order given, were the most effective insecticides. Counts were made by sampling 100 stems at random throughout a 1/10 acre plot and recording the number of stems infested with spittle masses, and by supplementary sweepings with a 15-inch insect net. Correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficient was highly significant for the 2 methods of counting. Biological observations showed that an average date for hatching of nymphs is about the 1st of May in Wisconsin, but may be delayed for a period of several weeks by periods of prolonged cold weather. Parasitism of eggs by Centrodora n. sp. was recorded.