Insect Pest Management Issues in Alfalfa--challenges and Questions

Integrated pest management in alfalfa continues to be challenged by changes in the pests, alfalfa production system, environmental conditions, and other undetermined factors. Many of the underlying principles of integrated pest management (IPM) were developed from research conducted in the alfalfa system in the 1960-80’s. However, as indicated by challenges in controlling alfalfa weevil larvae in recent years, continued efforts needed to control larvae of the armyworm and cutworm complex on the summer cuttings, alfalfa stem nematode outbreaks in the last ~5 years, and finally the severe and damaging outbreaks of blue alfalfa aphid in the spring of 2013, alfalfa IPM needs to be revisited. Management of aphids in alfalfa and the aphid situation in 2013 will be reviewed.