Flaming Dormant Alfalfa for Pest Control

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa Leyss) is an important forage crop whose production is hampered by pests, including the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal) which is a major problem in many areas. Flaming during dormancy could be an alternative control measure. Late fall and early spring flaming at three intensities were compared with pesticide and no treatment for their effects on alfalfa weevil damage and weed density. In four site-years, flaming at high intensity generally reduced weevil damage to alfalfa. When winter annual broadleaf weeds were prevalent, flaming decreased their density. When fall and spring flaming effects were different, spring flaming gave better results.

Productivity of indigenous alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cultivar depending on agricultural practices on sierozem soils in South Kazakhstan

“…Similar results were obtained byPellissier et al (2017) andHarrington et al (2021) on alfalfa and the other crops. Numerous studies have reported that if plants have an insect pest problem, pesticide usage increased plant yield and yield parameters(Sun et al, 2014;Moyer et al, 2014). In the South Kazakhstan, in rainfed areas under conventional tillage, the biggest problem is with open fallow when multiple tillage operations are conducted to control weeds, causing substantial soil erosion and degradation.…”