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

Production Update:

Barn fires: Baled hay can catch fire if stored between 30 to 40% moisture due to heat produced by microorganisms and plant respiration. Hay baled at safe moisture levels of 20% or less may rise to a temperature of 130 to 140°F for a few days before gradually cooling off. If hay temperature rises above 140°F, temperature should be monitored every few hours. At temperatures between 150 and 160°F, it is time to prepare to remove hot hay from the stack or secure a source of water in case temperature continues to rise. It would be wise to call the fire department when hay temperature exceeds 180°F. When temperature reaches 200°F, bales may burst into flames when removed from the stack if not wetted.

Insect Management: Witches'-broom disease has only been of minor importance in the Western United States, but has been found in some low desert alfalfa fields. The disease was long considered to be a leafhopper-transmitted virus, but now is known to be caused by a mycoplasmalike microorganism. A vector of alfalfa witches'-broom disease in the Western United States is a leafhopper, Scaphytopius acututs. Symptoms of the disease include excessive development of short, spindly shoots from the crown and axillary buds along the stem. Spraying to control the leafhopper vector of the disease is usually not effective.

Weed Control: Both southern and field sandbur are very difficult to control once they are established and have more than 5 or 6 leaves. Preemergence herbicides work well on the seed but are ineffective on plants that have overwintered. Poast and Select/Prism are also ineffective on established sanbur.

10 Year Summary (June 17-June 30, 1994-2003):

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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