Insect Pests of Alfalfa
Very little alfalfa is grown in Mississippi, and we do not maintain insect control recommendations for alfalfa. Producers who are attempting to grow alfalfa in the state may wish to refer to the Alfalfa Insect Management Guide, 2014, from Kansas State University, to learn about potential pests and control options. Be aware, however, that the insect pests that attack alfalfa in Mississippi may differ considerably from that in other states and that insecticides labeled for use in other states may not be labeled for use in Mississippi. For example, products containing chlorpyrifos may not be labeled for use in Mississippi even though they are labeled in other states. Read product labels carefully and verify state registration before treating.
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Every year, lawns and pastures become targets for late-summer grass-eating caterpillars, making it important to watch for the usual suspects and some culprits that are less common.
Mississippi forage producers can grow a bountiful crop, but they are fighting wet weather and pests to harvest all of it.
Rocky Lemus, forage and grazing specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and researcher with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, said hay harvest is about 5% behind where it was this time last year.
Forage growers in Mississippi are trying to keep insects from making meals out of their hayfields and compromising their stockpiles of winter feed.
Sod production is a year-round process for Mississippi producers, and demand is up for this valuable commodity.
Jay McCurdy, turf specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the state’s producers are having a good year with this grass crop.
Mississippi has an abundance of bugs, especially in the warmer months. We are all familiar with mosquitoes, bumblebees, and house flies. But I bet there are bugs around your house and yard that you can’t identify. (Photo by Blake Layton)
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