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Article
Evaluation of Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Densities and Regrowth Characteristics of Alfalfa Grazed by Sheep in Winter and Spring
Journal of Entomological Science (2004)
  • Hayes B. Goosey, Montana State University-Bozeman
  • Patrick G. Hatfield, Montana State University
  • Sue L. Blodgett, Montana State University-Bozeman
  • S. Dennis Cash, Montana State University-Bozeman
Abstract
Fall regrowth of alfalfa, Medicago sativa (L.), serves as a major source of winter pasture for Montana sheep producers. In years of drought, alfalfa fields are extensively winter/ spring grazed; however, the impact on crop health is unknown. Alfalfa paddocks were continuously grazed for 95 d in 2002 and 98 d in 2003 during winter and spring to determine the impact on spring and summer alfalfa regrowth, nutrient quality characteristics, and alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica Gyllenhal, densities. Grazed and non-grazed forage yield, crude protein (%), and acid and neutral detergent fibers (%) did not differ at harvest (P > 0.17) during either study year. Acid and neutral detergent fibers (kg/ha) were greater (P < 0.05) in non-grazed compared to grazed plots during 2002-2003. Alfalfa weevil densities were lower in grazed than non-grazed plots (P < 0.03) over four sampling dates during both study years. Winter/spring sheep grazing appears to offer potential for alfalfa weevil management without compromising yield or nutritive factors of subsequent alfalfa production. 
Keywords
  • Medicago sativa,
  • alfalfa weevil,
  • sheep,
  • integrated pest management,
  • sustainable agriculture
Publication Date
October, 2004
DOI
10.18474/0749-8004-39.4.598
Publisher Statement
This article is published as Goosey, Hayes B., Patrick G. Hatfield, Sue L. Blodgett, and S. Dennis Cash. "Evaluation of alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) densities and regrowth characteristics of alfalfa grazed by sheep in winter and spring." Journal of Entomological Science 39, no. 4 (2004): 598-610. doi: 10.18474/0749-8004-39.4.598. Posted with permission.
Citation Information
Hayes B. Goosey, Patrick G. Hatfield, Sue L. Blodgett and S. Dennis Cash. "Evaluation of Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Densities and Regrowth Characteristics of Alfalfa Grazed by Sheep in Winter and Spring" Journal of Entomological Science Vol. 39 Iss. 4 (2004) p. 598 - 610
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sue_blodgett/22/