Yuma County Office
2200 W. 28^th Street, Ste. 102
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 726-3904
(928) 726-8472 FAX

Production Update:

Potassium Requirement: Conditions for curing hay during the summer in most parts of Arizona are ideal for making hay. During the fall and early spring, however, hay in the windrow may have to be handled more than in the summer. A single raking during the summer is usually sufficient to evenly cure the hay. During the cooler months, the hay may have to be raked twice or raked once and tedded in order to keep the windrow fluffy and result in evenly cured hay.

Insect Management: Cowpea aphid (picture) is the only black aphid found in alfalfa. Feeding causes stunting and produces honeydew, causing harvest problems and supports sooty mold growth reducing hay quality. There are no known alfalfa varieties that are resistant to cowpea aphid. However, genetic variation for resistance is known and resistant cultivars can be expected in the future. This pest is attacked by aphid parasites, Lysiphlebus sp. and several predators including lady beetles, lacewings, damsel bugs, bigeyed bugs, and syrphid flies. No economic treatment levels have been established for cowpea aphid in alfalfa. Treat with an aphicide if alfalfa is not growing properly and cowpea aphids are present.

Weed Control: Sencor controls a broad spectrum of broadleaf and grassy weeds but is difficult to use in the low deserts because of the rapid regrowth of our non-dormant varieties. Injury occurs if much foliage is present at the time of application. The best time to apply this herbicide is after sheeping when less foliage is present than there is following the cutting, curing and baling of hay.

10 Year Summary (Nov. 5 - Nov 18, 1993-2002):

Full Disclaimers

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Director Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

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