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

Production Update:

Leaf Retention: Leaf retention in baled hay is considered desirable and an indicator of good quality. Leaf retention is most important when hay is feed directly since the detached leaves may be out of reach of the animal or be combined with dirt at the bottom of the manger. Leaf retention is not as critical where animals are feed a total mixed ration, since detached leaves are retained in the feed by the other ingredients in the ration.

Insect Management: Spotted alfalfa aphid (SAA) (picture) caused severe damage to alfalfa in Arizona and California in the 1950's. Control was achieved through a combination of introduced parasites and host plant resistance. SAA still occasionally causes problems, but generally only when susceptible cultivars are grown. Since 1996, SAA has occasionally aphid appeared in damaging numbers in highly resistant alfalfa varieties. A number of seedling alfalfa fields needed to be treated for SAA during the fall of 2002. The reasons for the appearance of this aphid in highly resistant cultivars is being investigated. There is every reason to believe that the highly resistant cultivars will continue to keep the SAA in check along with the indigenous and introduced natural enemies. SAA develops better under warm temperatures than pea aphid or blue alfalfa aphid.

Weed Control: The rotational crop restrictions that appear on the herbicide labels are general guidelines that may differ significantly from what will occur in the field. Injury to following crops is complicated by several factors and can range from severe to none depending upon soil type, irrigation practices, climatic conditions and other cultural practices. Herbicidal effects are often variable even within the same field.

10 Year Summary (Dec 17, to April 30, 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.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.

Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this web document do not imply endorsement by The University of Arizona.