Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Plant Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #398692
Research Project: Genetic Improvement and Cropping Systems of Alfalfa for Livestock Utilization, Environmental Protection and Soil Health

Location: Plant Science Research

Title: Crop protection network: Alfalfa diseases and pest website

Author
item Samac, Deborah - Debby
item SMITH, DAMON - University Of Wisconsin
item SISSON, ADAM - Iowa State University

Submitted to: Forage Focus
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/29/2022
Publication Date: 12/15/2022
Citation: Samac, D.A., Smith, D., Sisson, A. 2022. Crop protection network: Alfalfa diseases and pest website. Forage Focus. December 2022:10-11.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Managing disease and insect pests in alfalfa begins with regular field scouting and sampling techniques. Improper identification and pest sampling techniques may lead to inappropriate and costly management attempts, or lack of adequate management altogether, reducing farm income and increasing pesticide-related risks to the environment and applicators. However, it can be frustrating to try to find information on alfalfa pathogens and insects pests. Beginning in 2015, the Crop Protection Network set out to provide unbiased, research-based information to farmers and agricultural personnel to help with decisions related to protecting alfalfa, corn, small grains, and soybean through partnerships with university and Extension specialists. Recently, with funding from the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center, web pages providing education about proper alfalfa pest identification and management was added to a centralized location that also contains information about other crops alfalfa farmers likely grow such as corn, soybean, and wheat. The site can be accessed at: cropprotectionnetwork.org.