The effect of alfalfa weevil control on alfalfa hay yield and quality

Authors

B. Ritter
B. Bauernfeind

Keywords

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 88-363-S; Cattlemen's Day, 1988; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 539; Beef; Alfalfa; Weevil control; Yield; Quality

Abstract

A 2-year-old, irriagated alfalfa field was left untreated or treated with ¼ lb, ½ lb, or 1 lb of Furadan® per acre on April 5, 1986. Alfalfa weevil populations were determined 2,9,16 and 23 days post-spraying. Forage samples were collected at about the 1/10 bloom stage of maturity. All three Furadan levels provided excellent weevil control up to 23 days post-spraying, and all resulted in an increase in dry matter yield. But only the yield of the 1 lb./A. treatment was significantly (P<.15) greater than the untreated forage (1.97 vs. 2.44 tons/A). There was no difference in nutrient composition between the untreated and treated forage. All Furadan treatment resulted in a net economic gain per acre. In this study, between ½ lb and 1 lb Furadan per acre resulted in the greatest weevil control and economic return per acre.

Recommended Citation

Ritter, B. and Bauernfeind, B. (1988) "The effect of alfalfa weevil control on alfalfa hay yield and quality," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2362