Selecting a Good Grass Variety by Dan Undersander Select high yielding varieties to get up to 4 t/a additional yield per year Check UW Extension publication A1525 Forage Variety Update for Wisconsin Check website for more detail (https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/forage/) Traditional species to avoid: Smooth Bromegrass – high yield but 60 to 70% of yield in first cutting with […]
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Understanding Autotoxicity in Alfalfa by John Jennings Extension Forage Specialist University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Specialist Alfalfa can remain productive in stands from four to ten years or more, but as plant population declines renovation eventually becomes necessary. Alfalfa is commonly grown in rotation with grain crops, however continuous production is desirable in many areas, particularly […]
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Effect of Seedling Year Stress on Future Alfalfa Yields by Dan Undersander Stress in the seeding year reduces future yields of alfalfa. This occurs because the seeding year determines the stand plant density as well as individual plant size and vigor. The following paragraphs will show that autotoxicity, potato leaf hopper, cover crop, and, possibly, drought […]
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Mycotoxin Effects on Dairy Cattle by Bill Seglar, DVM, PAS Nutritional Sciences Manager Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl., Inc., Box 1150 Johnston, IA 50131-1150 Introduction Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi (molds) growing on crops in the field or in storage. Only a few mold species produce mycotoxins out of the thousands of molds that grow on […]
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Understanding and Reducing Mold Growth in Hay by S. Ray Smith University of Manitoba An ideal hay should contain maximum digestible energy and protein to meet the needs of high producing livestock. Several factors can reduce an ideal hay lot into an average or fair lot. One of the most frustrating factors that results in downgraded […]
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Value of Standing Forage by Dan Undersander University of Wisconsin A frequent question is how much should a person charge or pay for standing hay. There is no simple answer but one can come to a fair price by considering the following factors: First, one should consider the price of hay. During spring 2001 the price […]
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Root Rot and Crown Rots and Virus Diseases of Alfalfa and Clover 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 […]
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Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer by Bryan Jensen, Integrated Pest Management Program University of Wisconsin – Madison Introduction The alfalfa blotch leafminer (Agromyza frontella (Rondani)) is a relatively new pest in Wisconsin alfalfa. It was first found in the state during the summer of 1996 with positive confirmations in five counties. A 1997 survey of the state showed that the […]
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New Disease-Causing Organisms in Alfalfa: Aphanomyces Euteiches Race 2 and Phytoplasma by R.D. Peters and C.R. Grau Department of Plant Pathology University of Wisconsin – Madison Introduction Alfalfa is the primary forage crop in Wisconsin and is a key element in the states dairy industry. The yield of new varieties is greater than that of Vernal and other older varieties due […]
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Potato Leafhopper Damage to Alfalfa by D.B. Hogg1, J.L. Wedbery1, D.J. Undersander2, and K.G. Silveira2 The potato leafhopper (PLH) is perhaps the most serious insect pest of alfalfa in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. This leafhopper is a native species but is not able to survive northern winters, and adults migrate into the Midwest each spring. Leafhopper populations […]
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