CFAES Give Today
Agronomic Crops Network

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

C.O.R.N. Newsletter

  1. Author(s): Kelley Tilmon , Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): Andy Michel

    Now is a good time to start scouting for potato leafhopper in alfalfa, as second-cut alfalfa grows.  Potato leafhoppers migrate up from the south in late spring to early summer.  While they may be present in first-cut alfalfa they’re seldom a problem.  But in the second-cut alfalfa numbers can increase rapidly.  Younger alfalfa is more susceptible to damage at lower leafhopper numbers.  Also, vigorous alfalfa can tolerate higher numbers, and stressed alfalfa can tolerate fewer – an important consideration should the current dry conditions continue.  If alfalfa is more than 7 day

    Issue: 2023-18
  2. Author(s): Kelley Tilmon , Author(s): Aaron Wilson , Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): Andy Michel

    Peak alfalfa weevil feeding damage occurs between 325 and 575 heat units (based on accumulation of heat units from January 1 with a base of 48°F).  All monitored locations are now in or close to this range except Ashtabula.  We recommend alfalfa weevil scouting as regular part of your program.  For more details on alfalfa weevil scouting and thresholds please see our April 13 article https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/co

    Issue: 2020-14
  3. Author(s): Kelley Tilmon , Author(s): Aaron Wilson , Author(s): Mark Sulc , Author(s): Andy Michel

    Last week we reported that peak alfalfa weevil feeding damage occurs between 325 and 575 heat units (based on accumulation of heat units from January 1 with a base of 48°F).  The cool temperatures over the past seven days have slowed the accumulation of heat units and thus weevil development, though southern Ohio is now at the lower end of this range.  For more details on alfalfa weevil scouting and thresholds please see our April 13 article

    Issue: 2020-10
  4. Potato Leaf Hopper
    Author(s): Kelley Tilmon , Author(s): Andy Michel , Author(s): Mark Sulc

    Some alfalfa fields have been harvested for the first time and now is the time to scout the regrowth in those fields for potato leafhoppers (PLH).  At our Western Agricultural Research Center near South Charleston, OH the PLH numbers last week in early alfalfa regrowth were generally about half the number needed to reach economic treatment thresholds. However, PLH populations can change quickly, and second crop regrowth should be scouted at least on a weekly basis.

    Issue: 2019:18
  5. Author(s): Kelley Tilmon , Author(s): Andy Michel

    Cool weather has slowed everything down including insect growth and development, and we could see problems with alfalfa weevil later than typical this year.   Alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly for weevils until at least the first harvest.  Followup scouting may be needed after harvest in heavily infested fields. 

    Spot problem fields early by checking alfalfa tips for feeding damage – small holes and a tattered appearance. 

    Issue: 2019-13
  6. Author(s): Mark Sulc

    Forage stands will begin spring greenup in the next few weeks, especially in southern Ohio. While winter injury in forages is very hard to predict, this winter has presented some very tough conditions for forage stands. This is especially true of legumes like alfalfa and red clover. Producers and crop consultants should be prepared to walk forage stands early this spring to assess their condition in time to make decisions and adjustments for the 2019 growing season.

    Issue: 2019-05
  7. Author(s): Mark Sulc

                Late season alfalfa management decisions often come down to balancing a need for forage versus stand health and winter survival.  Weather patterns across the state in 2018 have been variable.  Lack of summer rain in some areas have decreased forage yields, frequent rains or too much rainfall in other areas have blown apart harvest schedules and/or resulted in low quality forage inventories.  Taking a fall alfalfa harvest is an opportunity to increase both the quality and quantity of the farm forage inventory.  Like most farming decisions, there are trade-offs and risk factors to

    Issue: 2018-27