Introduction

Use these guidelines for a monitoring-based IPM program to effectively manage pests, while reducing the risks of pesticides on the environment and human health.

When a pesticide application is considered, review the Pesticide Application Checklist for information on how to minimize the risks of pesticide use to water and air quality. Water quality can be impaired when pesticides drift into waterways or when they move off-site. Air quality can be impaired when pesticide applications release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.

This year-round program covers the major pests of planting and establishing a stand of alfalfa hay in California. For established stands of alfalfa hay, see Established Stands. Details on carrying out each practice and information on additional pests, are available from the UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Alfalfa. Color photo identification sheets and examples of monitoring forms can be found at the forms and photo identification pages.

Stand establishment is the most critical single factor affecting successful IPM strategies in alfalfa. Follow the practices in the Year-Round IPM Program to establish and maintain a healthy vigorous stand that resists pest problems.