- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Dr. Ken Giles
- Author: Dr. Xuan Li
- Author: Bill Reynolds
Use of drones (UAV, unmanned aerial vehicle) for aerial application of pesticides in agricultural crops is becoming a reality.
Drone technology provides an additional tool for growers to control pests and diseases on farms, supplementing traditional ground and aerial spraying practices. This could be especially helpful in areas where there's a shortage of farm labor for pesticide applications or for small areas that require spot treatment.
2020 Drone Trials
In the summer 2020, we evaluated the efficacy of drones compared to airplanes for applying insecticides for summer worm control in alfalfa hay fields (see Photo 1). These pests can be highly damaging to alfalfa as the larvae...
- Author: Daniel H Putnam
- Author: Rachael Long
- Author: Michael Rethwisch
- Author: Ian Grettenberger
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is currently reviewing the use of Transform (sulfoxaflor) for insect pest management in alfalfa hay production. A decision on whether to register Transform with a label for use in California alfalfa is expected to occur by the end of 2020. The registration of Transform has been so far deferred due to concerns of potential impacts on pollinators. Transform currently has a full EPA label for use in alfalfa hay in all other states, but not in California.
This is something California alfalfa growers and PCAs should pay attention to, and consider weighing in.
Figure 1. Blue Alfalfa Aphid Damage, Nevada, 2020. Growers in other states are able to use Transform to...
- Author: Daniel H Putnam
- Author: Rachael Long
- Author: Michelle Leinfelder-Miles
- Author: Ian Grettenberger
Please join us for a University of California Pest Management Workshop, delivered Virtually in early December.
This 2-day (2 three hour sessions) virtual seminar/workshop, is meant to provide opportunities to learn new aspects of alfalfa pest management, and an opportunity to bring forward your pest issues for discussion by UC researchers and Cooperative Extension Advisors.
Blue Alfalfa Aphid (UC IPM)
PCA and CCA Credits will be offered.
Only $25 registration fee for the two days (increases to $30 on 24 November).
REGISTER TODAY!
Please see:
- Author: Ian Grettenberger
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Madi Hendrick
A virtual forage and alfalfa field day - our insect pest contribution
This year, the Kearney Research and Extension Center Alfalfa and Forage Field Day went virtual. Attendees did not get the chance to look out over lush fields of alfalfa or towering plantings of sorghum, but they get did an update on ongoing work in alfalfa and other forages. Our team put together a rapid-fire video to discuss what are typically the key insect pests in California alfalfa: summer worms, alfalfa weevils, and aphids.
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Michelle Leinfelder-Miles
- Author: Dan Putnam
We all recognize human health as a goal, but healthy soils is a key goal for farming operations, since healthy soils frequently result in higher yields and economic returns over time. "Health" is often defined with a range of properties including high fertility, good water-holding capacity and drainage, long-term productivity, and sustaining organic matter content.
A joint UC Davis and UC Cooperative Extension research project was recently awarded funding for $250,000 from the
