Production Update:

Seeding methods: Alfalfa is usually drilled in rows with a grain drill or “broadcast” by a Brillion seeder or a grain drill followed by a ring roller. The “broadcast” methods are thought to be superior because of less competition among plants due to more equidistant spacing. However, some growers have observed that the increased competition among plants in rows results in a finer stem and higher quality hay.

Insect Management: The bean thrips, Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood) ( picture) can be a pest of seedling alfalfa. The thrips may require treated with dimethoate when seedling alfalfa plants are under stress. Bean thrips can cause serious injury when seedlings are stressed for water, stressed from high temperatures and/or stressed from herbicide applications.

Weed Control: Now is the time to apply preemergence herbicides for winter annual week control in established stands. It’s better to be a month early than a day late with preemergent applications.

10 Year Summary (Sept 21, to Oct 4, 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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