Field Crops - Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Alfalfa Agronomy

Alfalfa Pests

Alfalfa Publications

Sep 2019

Nondormant Alfalfa Varieties for Arizona 2019

Publication (PDF, 435KB)

Authors: Mike Ottman

Alfalfa varieties differ in fall dormancy, defined asgrowth during the fall. Nondormant alfalfa varieties are usually planted in mild winter areas for their ability to grow in the fall. Nondormant, very nondormant, and extremely nondormant alfalfa varieties (fall dormancy class 8, 9, and 10) are adapted to elevations below 4000 feet in Arizona.
Nov 2015

Cowpea Aphid in Alfalfa

Publication (PDF, 248KB)

Authors: John Palumbo and Barry Tickes

Recent outbreaks of cowpea aphid in alfalfa are more than a local phenomena. Large populations of cowpea aphids have been reported throughout Arizona. The reason behind these outbreaks are unknown. This article hopes to bring some insight by discussing the cowpea aphid, the damage it causes, and suggestions on controlling it.
Sep 2015

Nondormant Alfalfa Varieties for Arizona 2015

Publication (PDF, 437KB)

Authors: Mike Ottman

This article contains a chart of non dormant alfalfa varieties for Arizona. Suggestions for determining an appropriate fall dormancy class, identifying potential pest problems, yield, and salt tolerance are all discussed.
Dec 2014

Genetic Diversity and Fungicide Sensitivity of Phymatotrichopsis omnivora

Publication (PDF, 383KB)

Authors: Chitrampalam, P. and Olsen, Mary W.

Cotton root rot, caused by Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, is the most destructive disease of dicotyledonous plants in Arizona. There are no known reliable control methods for this disease, and the difficulty in its management is most often directed at its survival deep in soils and its wide host range. Genetic diversity in P. omnivora and its potential role in disease are unknown. Isolating the fungus and reproducing the disease in the greenhouse or laboratory are problematic, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of potential treatments.
Aug 2014

Methods of Measuring for Irrigation Scheduling - When

Publication (PDF, 1.3MB)

Authors: Martin, Edward C.

Proper irrigation management requires that growers assess their irrigation needs by taking measurements of various physical parameters. Some use sophisticated equipment while others use tried and true common sense approaches. Whichever method used, each has merits and limitations. In developing any irrigation management strategy, two questions are common: “When do I irrigate?” and “How much do I apply?” This bulletin deals with the WHEN.
Feb 2014

Renovating Alfalfa Stands in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 515KB)

Authors: Shawna Loper and Mike Ottman

Alfalfa is an important crop grown in Arizona with approximately 250,000 acres in production in 2011 and 2012 and 260,000 acres for 2013. As alfalfa stands age, they can thing and decline in plant density. This article takes a look at renovating alfalfa stands in Arizona.
Jan 2014

Summer Slump in Alfalfa

Publication (PDF, 425KB)

Authors: Mike Ottman and Ayman Mostafa

“Summer slump” is a decline in growth of alfalfa usually beginning in July in areas where maximum daily temperature exceeds 100 °F, such as the low elevation deserts of Southwestern U.S. This article discusses some of the causes behind this and potential impacts.
Jul 2013

Stink bugs in cotton, alfalfa, and other Arizona crops

Publication (PDF, 510KB)

Authors: Peter Ellsworth and Lydia Brown

In Arizona, we have many species of stink bugs; the species pictured above are encountered in cotton, alfalfa, and other crops. Some are occasional or potential pests of cotton. In the article the Brown Stink Bug (BSB), Eushistus servus, is discussed which has been a pest of cotton, especially in the past few years.
Feb 2013

Insect Management on Desert Produce Crops: Western Flower Thrips 2013

Publication (PDF, 306KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

Western flower thrips are major pests to lettuces, cabbage, and spinach because of the damage they cause to these plants. This article describes their development, Economic Damage, and suggestions for their management.
Dec 2011

Determining the Amount of Irrigation Water Applied to a Field

Publication (PDF, 535KB)

Authors: Edward C. Martin

Critical to any irrigation management approach is an accurate estimate of the amount of water applied to a field. Estimating the amount of water applied to a field or to a set is fairly easy for surface systems.
Apr 2008

Alfalfa Weed Control in the Low Deserts of Arizona

Publication (PDF, 443KB)

Authors: Barry Ticks and Mike Ottman

Alfalfa is a vigorous crop that is very competitive with weeds. However, chemical weed control is often necessary even in well managed alfalfa since the marketplace has a low tolerance for weeds in alfalfa hay.
Jul 1999

Growing Alfalfa for Seed in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 29KB)

Authors: Stephen H. Husman

Due to worldwide shortages of non-dormant alfalfa seed, production opportunities and acreage have increased recently in central Arizona. This article gives some suggestions regarding growing alfalfa for seed in Arizona.
Aug 1998

Beet Armyworm

Publication (PDF, 74KB)

Authors: Tim C. Knowles

Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) caterpillars are smooth skinned with few or no hairs on the body, may be olive green to almost black in color down the middle of the back, and have a yellow stripe on each side of the body. This publication details the Beet Armyworm. It's description, biology, damages it causes, and methods of controlling it are discussed.
Aug 1998

Alfalfa Caterpillar/Butterfly

Publication (PDF, 72KB)

Authors: Tim C. Knowles

The first sign of a potential alfalfa caterpillar (Colias eurytheme) outbreak is the influx of large numbers of yellow or white butterflies in late spring or early summer. This article discusses their biology, the damages they cause, types of control, and when to treat for them.
Aug 1998

Alfalfa Aphid Complex

Publication (PDF, 83KB)

Authors: Tim C. Knowles

Aphids feed in groups, often on the growing tips of plants. This article describes the complex of Aphids that can be found on alfalfa and discusses damages, monitoring, control, and when to treat for them.
Sep 1994

Establishing irrigated pasture at 4,000- to 6,000-foot elevations in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 46KB)

Authors: Deborah Young, Bill Frost, Mike Schneider

Irrigated pasture can provide forage for livestock, be useful during breeding and calving time, serve as an exercise area for horses, and conserve and improve soil and provide an alternative to rangeland. This article discussing establishing a pasture at elevations in Arizona between 4,000 and 6,000 feet.
May 1991

Nitrogen Management Guide for Alfalfa

Publication (PDF, 189KB)

Authors: Thomas A. Doerge, Robert L. Roth, Bryant R. Gardner

Nitrogen applications are rarely needed in alfalfa production in Arizona. The primary problems with nitrogen applications to alfalfa are stimulation of weed growth, reduced nodulation, and reduced effectiveness of nodules in "fixing" of nitrogen.
Mar 1991

Diseases and Nutritional Disorders of Alfalfa in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 10MB)

Authors: Richard B. Hine, Michael J. Ottman, and Thomas A. Doerge

Alfalfa is currently grown on approximately 20 percent of the total irrigated crop land in Arizona. This article lists the diseases and nutritional disorders of Alfalfa and gives a lengthy description of each of them.
Jan 1981

Management of Perennial Irrigated Pastures

Publication (PDF, 1.32MB)

Authors: Robert E. Dennis

Forage stands are maintained longer when pastures are properly managed. When a mixture is used, try to maintain each species in its original proportion. This article gives suggestions for maintaining pastures.

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Alfalfa Presentations

Oct 2019

Alfalfa Production: Getting a Good Start

Presentation (PDF, 4.8MB)

Authors: Mike Ottman

Location Presented: Parker and Blythe
Sep 2013

Nutrient Management and Plant Density Recommendations For LA PAZ county Alfalfa Growers

Presentation (PDF, 2.38MB)

Authors: Shawna Loper

Location Presented: Parker, AZ

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