- Author: Steve Orloff
- Author: Daniel H Putnam
“Hay fire continues to burn at Herald Ranch” (August 2012)
“Hay Truck catches fire on I-5" (Redding, November 2012)
“Firefighters Respond to Hay Fire Next to Santa Ana River" (November 2012)
One of the greatest fears of the hay grower is the possibility of rain or mold damage, which can easily drop the price of hay $50 per ton or more. However, this fear pales in comparison to the fear of a hay fire. Some hay fires result in million dollar losses or more.
Hay fires are all too common when stem and bale moisture is too high, and the bales haven't been adequately 'sweated' (when moisture and heat dispels from...
- Author: Peter B Goodell
When: Thursday May 2, 2013 and Friday May 3, 2013 11:30 AM – 2 PM
Contact: Pete Goodell, pbgoodell@ucanr.edu
Where:
- Thursday May 2, Willow Ranch Restaurant, Buttonwillow (27770 Lagoon Dr, Buttonwillow, I5 & Hwy 58)
- Friday May 3, Dale Hale Community Center, O’Banion Park, Dos Palos (SE Corner Center and Lorraine Streets)
What: Informational meeting on Blue Alfalfa Aphid outbreak and future action
Who: PCAs, alfalfa producers, crop protection industry
Why: Severe outbreaks of Blue Alfalfa...
- Author: Vonny M. Barlow
The blue alfalfa aphid, Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji, was first identified by entomologists in the spring of 1975 in the Imperial Valley of California. Since then it has become widespread throughout the state and has become established in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and as far east as Kansas and Oklahoma. Both adults and nymphs feed on photosynthetic fluids from the leaves and stems of the alfalfa plant. Low to moderate populations of blue alfalfa aphid may cause little to no visible yellowing of plants. Blue alfalfa aphid feed in the new growth, at the tips and young leaves. After prolonged feeding, leaves will eventually turn yellow, starting at the veins, leaves will curl and wilt, and turn necrotic (dead). ...
- Author: Peter B Goodell
As reported in this blog by Dr. Godfrey, the Blue Alfalfa Aphid has been reported at high levels. Entomologists with UCCE continue to monitor the situation with Pest Control Advisors and IPM Professionals. Here is a summary of observations in the San Joaquin Valley in past two weeks.
Extent of Outbreaks
While populations are widely noted, the heaviest densities have been very localized. In the Buttonwillow area of Kern County, populations exceed the threshold of 40-50 aphids per stem for hay prior to cutting. There are reports of alfalfa being...
- Author: Daniel H Putnam
Yes, Virginia, there is a Free Lunch. Thanks to CA Crop Improvement!
All are welcome to attend the field day at UC Davis to see research plots on alfalfa, small grains, corn/sorghum, and canola/camelina/castor as biofuels. This is a great opportunity to meet others, learn about new varieties, pest management, IPM, and irrigation management.
California Crop Improvement offers a barbeque lunch for attendees. Many thanks to CCIA for providing...