|
Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
|
Oklahoma Alfalfa |
|
|
|
Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
|
Oklahoma Alfalfa |
|
|
ALFALFA POLLINATION |
|
| Pollination by insects such as honey bees, bumble bees, and leaf-cutter bees is essential for alfalfa seed production. Many farmers in the southern plains do not move colonies of bees into fields during seed production, but rely on "wild" populations of these or other species, such as alkali bees, that may be present. Thus, it is essential to a profitable seed yield that precautions be taken to avoid killing these native pollinators. Field border areas should be scouted to eliminate populations of grasshoppers before they have migrated into fields. Fields should be scouted before alfalfa begins blooming to detect infestations of foliage-feeding caterpillars or Lygus bugs so that they can be controlled with insecticides without risk of killing pollinators. If spraying is necessary after bloom begins, use of short residual insecticides such as Methoxchlor applied in evening hours when bees are not actively foraging will aid in preserving pollinators. If colonies of pollinators have been moved into fields, always remove them from fields before spraying.
|
|
| Richard Berberet,
Alfalfa Entomologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Oklahoma State University |
 |
