Insect activity update - Alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat
Find out what insects are still buzzing around crop fields in Kansas in this article from K-State Extension Entomology.
Possible consequences of icy conditions to the Kansas wheat and alfalfa crops
The weather during the period of December 16, 2019 to January 17, 2020 brought some much needed moisture to the Kansas wheat crop, with some areas seeing a considerable amount of ice and snow. What, if any, impact did these weather events have on the Kansas wheat and alfalfa crops?
Army cutworms in wheat, alfalfa, and winter canola
Significant populations of army cutworm larvae have been reported in Kansas. Producers should begin scouting their wheat, alfalfa, and winter canola fields. More information on scouting and treatment thresholds are in this article from Extension Entomology.
Army cutworm and pea aphid activity in wheat and alfalfa fields
There are reports of insect activity in wheat and alfalfa fields in parts of Kansas. Army cutworms have become more noticeable. Also, pea aphids are showing up in alfalfa fields.
Update on insect activity - alfalfa weevils and army cutworms
Alfalfa weevils have started feeding in fields in north central Kansas. Does this activity warrant treatment yet? Army cutworm larvae are still active as well. How much longer will they continue their feeding?
Assessing and managing freeze-damaged alfalfa
Alfalfa fields in portions of Kansas are showing the effects of freezing temperatures over that last few weeks. What should farmers look for when assessing their alfalfa stands for damage? What are the best management options?
Liming prior to fall seeding of alfalfa
Correcting acidic soil conditions through the application of lime can have a significant impact on crop yields, especially for alfalfa. Liming is one of the most essential, but often overlooked, management decisions a producer can make for alfalfa production.
Tips for fall planting of alfalfa
Alfalfa is a very important leguminous crop for the livestock industry in Kansas. Late summer and early fall are often the best times to plant alfalfa in Kansas due to less weed pressure than spring planting.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will stop growing after the first hard freeze. The timing of the last two cuttings impacts the winter survival and influences stand productivity the following year.
Liming prior to fall seeding of alfalfa
Correcting acidic soil conditions through the application of lime can have a significant impact on crop yields, especially for alfalfa. Learn how to determine if lime is needed, the optimum rates and application method, proper timing, and sources in this article.
Update on insect activity in alfalfa - Fall armyworms, armyworms, and alfalfa caterpillars
Worm activity has been elevated for a large portion of Kansas for the last three weeks. A combination of fall armyworms, armyworms, and alfalfa caterpillars have been feeding in alfalfa fields. Learn what options are available for control in this article.
Tips for fall planting of alfalfa
Kansas has 568,324 acres of alfalfa, which is a very important leguminous crop for dairy and livestock industry in the state. Late summer and early fall are often the best times to plant alfalfa in Kansas. When sowing alfalfa, there are several recommendations to help establish a healthy stand.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will quit growing after the first hard freeze, which can be as early as October 1 or as late as November 1. The decision should be weather-based at this time of the year because the timing of the last two cuttings impacts the winter survival and productivity of the stand in the following year.
Insect update: The Year of the Worm
Kansans, particularly those that farm or tend their lawns, might end up remembering 2021 as the "Year of the Worm". Here is the latest fall worms update from Extension Entomology.
wheat insects alfalfa army cutworms armyworms fall armyworms
Alfalfa weevil and aphid populations in alfalfa - update as of April 21
Alfalfa weevil larvae continue to be very active in Kansas. Larvae started hatching about 3 weeks ago, and are still doing so even in treated fields. Scout your fields!
Allow time for lime applications when planting alfalfa this fall
Correcting acidic soil conditions through the application of lime can have a significant impact on crop yields, especially for alfalfa. Liming is one of the most essential, but often overlooked, management decisions a producer can make for alfalfa production.
Tips for fall planting of alfalfa
Alfalfa is a very important legume crop for dairy and livestock industry in the state. Late summer and early fall are often the best times to plant alfalfa in Kansas due to less weed pressure than spring planting. Available moisture at planting is crucial for alfalfa establishment.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will quit growing after the first hard freeze. In Kansas, this could happen as early as October 1 or as late as November 1. The last cutting prior to dormancy should be made so there will be 8 to 12 inches of foliage, or 4 to 6 weeks of growth time, before the first killing frost.
Potential pest of soybeans and alfalfa in Kansas: Mealybugs
First identified in 2008 as a potential pest of soybeans in the US, trochanter mealybugs have a wide variety of hosts including corn, sorghum, and alfalfa. While their role as a pest of soybeans is still not fully understood, it appears that mealybugs have the potential to be a problem in Kansas alfalfa as sporadic infestations have been detected in the western part of the state as recently as 2022.
Insect activity update - alfalfa weevils
The first pest problem affecting alfalfa every year is usually the alfalfa weevil. It's important to start scouting alfalfa fields and pay attention to treatment thresholds. If left unchecked, alfalfa weevils can defoliate plants prior to the first cutting.
Monitor alfalfa weevils using degree days and scouting
Alfalfa weevil activity began early this year in Oklahoma and it appears that degree day accumulation for alfalfa weevils is well ahead of normal for most areas in Kansas. Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate insect activity in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Learn more in this article.
Update on alfalfa pests in Kansas - Alfalfa weevils and pea aphids
Alfalfa weevils have been hatching throughout the eastern half of Kansas since at least March 20. Also, pea aphids are increasing throughout north central Kansas. This article discusses these two alfalfa pests found in locations in eastern and north central Kansas this spring.
Insect activity in alfalfa - May 17, 2023
Problems with alfalfa weevils, coupled with the dry conditions, have been really severe this year. The article gives an update on the current level of weevil activity and what farmers need to know moving forward into late spring/early summer.
Allow time for lime applications when planting alfalfa this fall
Correcting acidic soil conditions through the application of lime can have a significant impact on crop yields, especially for alfalfa. Liming is one of the most essential, but often overlooked, management decisions a producer can make for alfalfa production.
Tips for fall planting of alfalfa
Alfalfa is a very important leguminous crop for the dairy and livestock industries in the state. In 2022, approximately 660,000 acres of alfalfa were harvested in Kansas. Late summer and early fall are often the best times to plant alfalfa in Kansas due to less weed pressure than spring planting.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on the last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will quit growing after the first hard freeze which in Kansas occurs on average around October 15, but can be as early as October 1 or as late as November 1. The last cuttings should be weather-based because the timing of the last two cuttings impacts the winter survival and productivity of the stand in the following year.
Alfalfa management options for short or drought-stressed stands
A recent eUpdate article from early September discussed the best time for the last cuttings of alfalfa ahead of the winter months. This article answers some questions related to the last cutting for stands that are shorter than normal or are under drought stress
2024 Alfalfa School is set for February 13 in Great Bend
K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council are hosting the 2024 Alfalfa School on Tuesday, February 13, in Great Bend, KS. This year’s event will feature several sessions covering a myriad of topics related to alfalfa production.
2024 Alfalfa School is set for February 13 in Great Bend
K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council (KSFGC) are hosting the 2024 Alfalfa School on Tuesday, February 13. This year’s event will feature several sessions covering a myriad of topics related to alfalfa production. Get registered before Feb. 7.
Start monitoring alfalfa weevils using degree days and scouting
Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. Scouting for weevil activity should be conducted right now in all regions of the state.
Insect activity update: Alfalfa weevils
This article gives an update on the activity of alfalfa weevils in Kansas. Control of this pest can be problematic in Kansas. The weather in early spring can make the application of foliar insecticides difficult. Learn more about the current activity of this pest and what options are best for control.
Allow time for lime applications when planting alfalfa this fall
Correcting acidic soil conditions by applying lime can significantly impact crop yields, especially for alfalfa. Acidic soils can significantly reduce nodule establishment and activity in alfalfa. Liming is one of the most essential but often overlooked management decisions a producer can make for alfalfa production.
Update on fall armyworms in Kansas
Fall armyworms are known to feed on over 80 host plants. In Kansas, they can damage several important crops, pasture, turf, and home landscaping. Two full generations are possible in Kansas, with defoliation and grain damage being the biggest concerns. At-risk crops should be scouted regularly for the remainder of the growing season.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on the last cutting this fall
Alfalfa stops growing after the first hard freeze. The timing of the last two cuttings impacts winter survival and stand productivity in the following year. Alfalfa needs to store enough carbohydrates to survive the winter. Root reserves this fall are the main driver for the crop's yield and quality next year.
Alfalfa management options for short or drought-stressed stands
This article discusses management options for short or drought-stressed alfalfa stands. Always use caution when harvesting alfalfa in the fall, especially if the plant is drought-stressed. Cutting the crop without leaving 6-8 weeks of re-growth before the first freeze can damage the stand and reduce persistence for subsequent years.