nematodes, cultural practices, soil fertility, and varietal resistance to name a few. The following is a list of the major diseases known to reduce alfalfa yield and/or stand persistence across the U.S. (Listed in
Nematodes / Alfalfa / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines / …
Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic thread-like worms that live in soil and plant tissues and feed on plants by puncturing and sucking the cell contents with a needlelike mouthpart called a stylet. The alfalfa stem nematode feeds in the stems and crowns of the alfalfa plant, while the other nematodes listed above feed on roots.
Integrated Pest Management / Alfalfa / Agriculture: Pest …
Disease & Nematodes. There are very few pesticides for the management of most diseases and none for nematode control in established alfalfa stands. Selection of resistant varieties, irrigation management, soil drainage, crop rotation and prevention of mechanical spread of pests and diseases are important IPM strategies. Use of Pesticides
Alfalfa plants produce toxins that can reduce germination and growth of new alfalfa seedings. This phenomenon is known as autotoxicity. The extent of the toxin’s influence increases with the age and density of the previous stand and the amount of residue incorporated prior to seeding.
Alfalfa Weevil in Alfalfa - Crop Protection Network
Crop Injury: Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) was introduced to the United States more than 100 years ago and has become an important and widespread pest of alfalfa. Larva and adult weevils defoliate alfalfa plants by consuming leaf tissue. Foliage appears skeletonized or shredded and plants may be stripped to the stems if feeding is severe.
Alfalfa weevil - Agricultural Biology
Adult alfalfa weevils are oval-shaped brown to gray beetles that measure about 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) long and have a dark brown band on the back, although the stripe may be less apparent on older weevils. They also have an elongated snout at the front of their head. The larvae of alfalfa weevil are more easily identified with a 10x hand lens.
Alfalfa Weevil Pest status: Common insect, occasionally an economic pest. Description: Adult is gray-brown snout beetle, dark stripe down back; larvae is green with white stripe down back and black head. Life cycle: Overwinters as adult in fields, fence rows, wood lots, etc. Emerges in early spring. Adults feed on new growth. Eggs
Alfalfa is the primary host, but they can also feed on select legumes. This paper summarizes the biology of both weevils and integrated pest management practices for controlling these pests, including biocontrol, cultural practices, field scouting, and the use of insecticides, to maximize alfalfa hay production and economic returns.
nematodes against the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and the lucerne beetle, Gonioctena fornicata (Brüggemann) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), adults...
Alfalfa Weevil | Integrated Crop Management - Iowa State …
The larvae and adults of alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) are the primary defoliators in alfalfa. Heavy infestations can reduce tonnage and forage quality. Use this article to learn how to identify alfalfa weevil and properly scout for and manage this pest.