Project Overview

Reports

Commodities

• Agronomic: medics/alfalfa

Target Pests

Practices

• Pest Management: decision support system, monitoring/scouting, pesticides

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important perennial forage crop grown throughout the North Central region and elsewhere in the U.S. High yields of quality alfalfa forage, stand longevity, and animal well-being are top priorities for alfalfa farmers. An Alfalfa Pest Management (APM) Working Group was created in 2021 to determine top disease and insect pest priorities and develop outreach and has received multiple years of funding through the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center (NCIPMC). The goal of the Alfalfa Pest Management Working Group proposal is to engage a multidisciplinary team of alfalfa pest management experts and continue the development, funding, and release of alfalfa management resources. To accomplish the goal and address NCIPMC desired outcomes, we propose five objectives: 1) Alfalfa Pest Management Working Group discusses outreach activities; 2) Develop a long-form alfalfa pest management publication; 3) Update an alfalfa fungicide use efficacy guide; 4) Make available an alfalfa fungicide return on investment calculator; and 5) Promote alfalfa resources. This project has a direct benefit to alfalfa farmers, agriculture professionals, and extension workers in the North Central region and elsewhere by providing current and timely Extension material to aid in the identification and management of alfalfa pests and disorders.

1) Alfalfa Pest Management Working Group discusses outreach activities; 2) Develop a long-form alfalfa pest management publication; 3) Update an alfalfa fungicide use efficacy guide; 4) Make available an alfalfa fungicide return on investment calculator; and 5) Promote alfalfa resources.