Production Update:

Adding Moisture to Windrows: Producing high quality hay in hot, dry desert areas is a challenge due leaf loss when raking or baling. Growers typically wait for dew to appear late at night or early in the morning. Leaf losses can range from 5 to 10% even under the best conditions, and can be as high as 20% or more if the leaves become too dry. Windrow moisture can be increased by irrigating closer to cutting or by applying moisture to the windrow. Moisture can be applied to windrows with equipment as simple as a water truck or with specially designed spraying equipment.

Insect Management: Alfalfa looper, Autographa californica (Speyer) ( picture), is a minor pest of desert alfalfa. They are often present with alfalfa caterpillars or beet armyworms in sweep samples. Larvae move with a characteristic looping motion by bringing their hind prolegs forward to meet the true legs. Eggs are laid singly, larvae hatch within a few days, and feed for about two weeks devouring alfalfa leaves. The looper larva spin a loose white cocoon among the leaves to pupate. In about ten days to two weeks moths emerge. The entire cycle is completed in about a month. Alfalfa loopers are rarely of economic importance in Arizona or California due to natural control. This insect is usually held in check by parasitic wasps, parasitic flies, and bacterial, fungal and viral disease.

Weed Control: Dodder ( picture) is becoming increasingly widespread. It can be effectively controlled preemergence with multiple applications of trifluralin granules. Post emergence control can only be successful if the current crop foliage is destroyed along with the dodder that is living off of it. Any contact treatment that desiccates the crop but does not effect the below ground portion of the alfalfa will work.

10 Year Summary (May 18, to June 1, 1995-2004):

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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