Year-Round IPM Program Pages
Established Stands
This year-round program covers the major pests of established stands of alfalfa hay in California. For planting and establishing stands of alfalfa see Planting and Establishing a Stand.
About Winter
- Special issues of concern related to water quality: drift, runoff due to rain.
What should you be doing during this time?
Survey winter weeds in December through January.
- Keep records on a winter weed survey form .
Determine weed management strategy based on last year's weed types and abundance. Consider:
- Applying pre- or postemergence herbicide, or a combination of both, appropriate for the weed pressure.
- Overseeding with grasses or legumes, only in older, depleted stands.
- Grazing or cultivating with a spring-toothed harrow, taking care to minimize damage to the alfalfa crowns.
Note any special weed problems such as dodder and perennial weeds. Manage, if needed, according to the Pest Management Guidelines.
Begin to monitor for aphids in January.
- Look for chewed leaves, especially on stands putting on new growth, and take sweep-net samples when alfalfa height allows.
- Keep records on a weevil monitoring form .
- Manage if needed according to the Pest Management Guidelines.
Look for signs of vertebrate pests, such as gophers, meadow voles, or ground squirrels.
- Manage, if needed, according to the Pest Management Guidelines.
Scout for signs of stem nematode (generally from December through March or April).