Alfalfa Weevil

Alfalfa field irrigated by center pivot
Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Early Season Irrigation, Controlling Alfalfa Weevil

April 23, 2024
This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower seasonal water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to mitigate early pasture weeds.

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Alfalfa weevil larvae and plant damage on alfalfa
Alfalfa weevil larvae (pictured at left) spend nearly all their time feeding on fresh leaf tissue, causing alfalfa plants to wilt and turn brown (at right), which can look similar to the effects of drought and cold injury. (CropWatch file photos)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weevil Scouting, Dealing with Stress

March 12, 2024
Recommendations on scouting for alfalfa weevil in the coming weeks, and resources for ag producers dealing with stress and other impacts to their health and wellbeing.

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This Week on N Field: Alfalfa Insects

June 16, 2023
Learn how to spot the different feeding signs of alfalfa weevils and aphids, and why it's important to identify all insects present in an alfalfa field before applying chemical control.

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Leafy spurge
An effective strategy for controlling leafy spurge is to pair spring applications that prevent seed production with a fall treatment to control new growth.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Alfalfa Weevil and Leafy Spurge, First Cutting Alfalfa

June 1, 2023
With first cutting alfalfa to begin soon, extension educators discuss the importance of scouting for alfalfa weevils to mitigate yield losses and strategies for timing harvest, plus control options for leafy spurge.

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Alfalfa field
Spring drought can result in stressed alfalfa from aggressive weed growth, resulting in thinner stands and lower yields. View the options for herbicide control in post-emergent and established alfalfa below.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weevil, Weed Control and Summer Pasture Turn-out

May 4, 2023
This week — Controlling alfalfa weeds with post-emergent herbicides, scouting for alfalfa weevil, and planning the date and pastures for spring turn-out.

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Alfalfa weevil larvae

Pasture and Forage Minute: Flash Grazing, Alfalfa Herbicides and Weevil Management

May 2, 2022
It's time to begin pest and weed control measures in alfalfa. Plus, tips to capitalize on fast spring growth with flash grazing.

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Weevil damaged alfalfa

Pasture and Forage Minute: Strategies for Alfalfa Weevil, Water Demands and Grass Surpluses

June 8, 2021
With alfalfa weevils remaining in the fields, extension educators share their recommendations for late spring infestation management strategies — plus, the benefits of using excess summer growth for winter grazing. 

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Alfalfa harvest
Photo by Brad Schick

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Cutting Prep and Weevil Control

May 19, 2021
With alfalfa fields maturing, it's time to consider first cutting strategies and concerns, including irrigation before harvest and scouting for alfalfa weevil.

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