North Central Integrated Pest Management (NCIPMC): A Regional Approch to Pest Management Implementation

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important forage crop grown in the North Central region and elsewhere in the United States. More than 257 million tons of alfalfa hay was produced from 2018-2022 in the United States, with a value exceeding $47.5 billion (USDA-NASS). More than 44 percent of the alfalfa production in the United States from 2018-2022 occurred in the twelve- state North Central region (USDA-NASS3). Diseases, insect pests, and disorders that threaten the quality and quantity of alfalfa and can reduce stand duration include Aphanomyces root rot, spring black stem and leaf spot, alfalfa weevil, potato leafhopper, improper nutrient levels, herbicide injury, and many others. Typical management strategies include planting resistant alfalfa varieties, seed-applied fungicide, foliar insecticide, foliar fungicide, and cultural practices such as crop rotation, field drainage improvements, and proper harvest timing. Inadequately informed fungicide use can increase the risk of pathogen resistance, especially with modern fungicide formulations. 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, reducing farm income and increasing pesticide-related risks. An Alfalfa Pest Management (APM) Working Group was created to determine top disease and insect pest priorities and develop outreach. Using working group funding from the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center (NCIPMC), the APM Working Group met and worked towards creating alfalfa resources for two years from March 2021 through February 2023. The goal of the current APM Working Group proposal is to continue to facilitate communication with a multidisciplinary team of alfalfa pest management experts and continue the development of alfalfa management resources. To accomplish the stated goal and address NCIPMC desired outcomes, we propose four objectives: 1) Alfalfa Pest Management Working Group meets to inform outreach activities; 2) Develop focused, long-form alfalfa pest management publications; 3) Create an alfalfa fungicide use efficacy guide; and 4) Generate funding-assisted alfalfa resource promotion. Describe objectives and anticipated impact here.