Production Update:

Alternatives to alfalfa: Alfalfa is the most widely adaptable and valuable forage legume grown in Arizona. Other legumes have been grown in Arizona for forage, however, but with limited success. Cowpeas and soybeans are examples of warm season legumes that were tried in Arizona at the turn of the century. Cowpeas are drought tolerant and soybeans are susceptible to salt and whiteflies. Cool season legumes include berseem clover, vetches, winter pea, birdsfoot trefoil, annual medics, and various clovers. The cool season legumes do not establish as quickly as cool season grasses such as oats or barley, and may be behind in growth by a few weeks to a month.

Insect Management: Webworms (picture) (alfalfa webworm, beet webworm and garden webworm) are occasional pests of desert alfalfa. The larvae of these small moths are slender, usually greenish yellow, striped or spotted caterpillars which may reach an inch in length. Webworm larvae devour leaves beneath silken webs on the upper parts of plants in summer and fall. They do not cause serious economic damage. Harvesting infested hay greatly reduces the numbers in the next crop cycle.

Weed Control: The performance of herbicides can be effected by the mixing sequence of treatments requiring the addition of adjuvants. Dry flowable formulations, for instance, can be difficult to dissolve if the adjuvant is added before the herbicide is dissolved in water. The mixing sequence on the label should be followed.

10 Year Summary (June 28, to July 12, 1995-2004):

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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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