Why is it difficult to control potato leafhoppers in alfalfa and dry beans?

Potato leafhoppers are known for their high mobility, which significantly complicates control efforts in crops such as alfalfa and dry beans. These insects can quickly move from one plant to another, making it very challenging for pest management strategies to target them effectively. Their ability to fly allows them to escape from areas where control measures have been implemented and to quickly repopulate infested areas.

This mobility means that even if a control tactic is applied successfully to a particular patch of crops, new adults can easily move in from surrounding areas, leading to a rapid reinfestation. Thus, understanding the behavior and mobility of potato leafhoppers is pivotal for effective pest management and highlights the need for an integrated approach that considers the insects' movement patterns.