In certain instances such as after a failed seeding, winterkill or in an attempt to thicken thinning stands, producers may be interested in following alfalfa with alfalfa. This practice has met with varied success due primarily to compounds produced by older alfalfa plants, which inhibit the growth of young seedlings. This process is known as … Read more
Alfalfa is one of the most important crops in the United States, due to its excellent quality, high yield, wide adaptation, disease resistance, excellent feeding quality, and soil benefits. It makes a tremendous contribution to Minnesota’s agricultural economy and to food production, but it often goes unrecognized. It’s like the restrained, subdued classmate beside the … Read more
by Dean Malvick, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology Department of Crop Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign A goal for many forage producers is to plant alfalfa and clover, harvest high yields on an appropriate schedule, and retain stands for many years. Numerous obstacles, however, prevent this ideal scenario. Of those obstacles, diseases are among … Read more
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is an important forage crop grown around the world. This nutritious plant has been cultivated since ancient times to feed livestock. Today, there are many different varieties of alfalfa specially bred for certain climates and growing conditions. So what are the different types of alfalfa plants? A Little About Alfalfa … Read more
Alfalfa growth and development is affected by many factors, including temperature, soil moisture, stand age and even cultivar. Alfalfa growth has been slow this spring due to cooler than normal weather. This is a reminder that using the calendar date to determine when to harvest the first crop of alfalfa may not be the best … Read more
Order: Hemiptera (TrueBugs)Family: Psyllidae, TriozidaeCommon Names: Plant Lice, Jumping Plant Lice, Lerps, Lerp Psyllid, Gall Psyllid, Lilly Pilly Psyllid Psyllids are tiny sap-sucking insects that feed on the nutrient rich liquids inside leaves and transport tissues (xylem & phloem). Most species of psyllid will only feed on one specific host plant, however some species are … Read more
For many years now, I have been growing various vegetables as a hobby in my spare time, which is what ultimately led me to studying horticulture. I find it fascinating to watch as plants grow from seed to fruit and to then finally be able to make use of the literal fruits of my labour. … Read more
Aphids are common and destructive pests that can infest alfalfa plants. These small sap-sucking insects can quickly multiply and spread stunting plant growth and reducing yields. As an alfalfa grower, it is crucial to control aphid populations before they get out of hand. The good news is there are several effective, eco-friendly methods to get … Read more
Ecosystem Science Division, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California at Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA Find articles by Ecosystem Science Division, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California at Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA Find articles by Ecosystem Science Division, Department of … Read more
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a popular forage crop grown around the world to feed livestock. However, various fungal diseases can infect alfalfa and severely reduce yields. If you notice fungus on your alfalfa plants, taking prompt action is crucial to save your crop. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to identify, … Read more