Objectives

The primary objective of this proposal was to determine the ability to produce organically grown alfalfa in areas with significant potato leaf hopper pressure and then to share this capability with organic growers. Specific experimental objectives were:

1. Determine if glandular-haired, PLH resistant alfalfa can be produced organically,

2. Determine if organically grown glandular-haired, PLH resistant alfalfa can reduce PLH density,

3. Compare yield and quality of organically grown glandular-haired, PLH resistant alfalfa with non-PLH resistant organically grown alfalfa, and

4. Demonstrate the ability for glandular-haired, PLH resistant alfalfa to produce a higher yield of alfalfa with less PLH injury to organic growers. However, numerous impediments, as will be explained in the methods and materials section, began quickly and caused a change to the overall study.