Pests & Weeds
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Early start to insect season for alfalfa

June 15, 2012

Robin Newell

Insect pressure in alfalfa continues to build as the warm weather encourages both plant and insect development. Following is an overview of some of the primary insects growers may see in their alfalfa fields this year, as well as scouting and management tips to address them.

Fly control in pastures

May 31, 2012

Lyndsay Jones

Flies are one of the most difficult pests to manage and, although they cannot be totally controlled, it is possible to reduce populations and irritation to livestock.

Alfalfa weevil scouting video available now

May 11, 2012

Bryan Jensen

This easy three-minute video takes you into the field to show how to scout and manage alfalfa weevil by following IPM practices and University of Wisconsin recommendations. View the clip at the bottom of the article.

Specific rental agreements are important in pasture rent situations

April 20, 2012

Jennifer Stewart

Renting pasture for grazing livestock is a fairly common practice in Indiana but one a Purdue Extension forage specialist says landowners and producers need to carefully discuss.

It's time to control biennial weeds in pastures

April 19, 2012

Susan Jongeneel

Warmer-than-normal spring temperatures have accelerated the development of biennial weeds in pastures and along roadsides. "A problem that we would typically think about dealing with sometime in mid-May is rearing its ugly head now," said University of Illinois extension educator Robert Bellm.

Clover root curculio weevil maggot (Sitona hispidule)

Clover root curculio: The known insect, the unknown damage

March 30, 2012

Mir M. Seyedbagheri

The clover root curculio weevil (Sitona hispidule) is one of the most serious alfalfa pests in the state of Idaho, where alfalfa is an important site-economic crop.

Timing herbicides to maximize yields in Roundup Ready corn

March 30, 2012

Earl Creech and Bill Johnson

Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, space, sunlight and water. Compared to other crops, corn is particularly sensitive to early season weed competition.

Shift up and throttle back to save tractor fuel

March 30, 2012

Stuart Birrell and Mark Hanna

Diesel fuel is the largest direct energy purchase for many farmers. Tractor operation accounts for much of this.

Cool, humid conditions allow mold growth – watch for mycotoxins

March 21, 2012

Dan Undersander

Haymaking conditions in the spring are often poor and hay can be rained on or left lying in the field for prolonged time periods due to cool and humid conditions which reduces drying rates. The long drying periods with high humidity allow field growth of mold on the hay.

Be familiar with root rot diseases of alfalfa

October 28, 2011

Jim Isleib

Major losses to alfalfa stands can sometimes be attributed to plant disease. There are more than 12 diseases of alfalfa. They can be grouped into two categories: stem/crown/root diseases and foliage diseases.