A Wedge-Shaped Wonder: This long-named, small insect has risen to the status of key pest

摘要

Whether you abbreviate its name as TCAH or 3CAH, the threecornered alfalfa hopper continues to hop squarely on the level of key pest in at least some peanut fields each year. It is of-ten the pest that triggers the first insecticide treatments and management decisions for TCAH are most often judgment calls coupled with the producer's own level of tolerance. Often described as triangular or wedge-shaped, this insect has piercing-sucking mouthparts for feeding. TCAH has the habit of feeding in a circular pattern around the stems and leaf petiole, resulting in girdling the affected area, thus reducing the downward flow of nutrients to the roots and pods. Often, there is purpling or reddening of the stem above the feeding site. If the stem is severely damaged, the plant may respond by producing adventitious roots around the damaged area in an attempt to compensate for the lack of nutrient flow.