Publications: UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

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legumes

Growing Lespedeza in Kentucky for Cattle, Sheep and Goats

4/6/2021 (major revision)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Garry Lacefield, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

Annual and perennial lespedezas are grown in Kentucky for pasture, hay, and soil stabilization. Lespedezas are warm season legumes that complement cool-season grasses in both pasture and hay situations. They are more tolerant of less fertile, more acid soils, but have lower yield potential than other forage legumes such as red clover and alfalfa.

Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes
Size: 1.85 mb
Pages: 4

PR-794

2020 Kentucky Soybean Performance Tests

12/7/2020 (new)
Authors: Dalton Mertz, Claire Venard

The Kentucky Soybean Variety Performance Tests are conducted to provide an unbiased and objective estimate of the relative performance of soybean varieties commercially available in Kentucky. This information may be used by growers and seed producers to aid in selecting varieties that will give the highest total production in a specific situation. Soybean cultivars in the 2020 tests were entered by soybean growers, commercial companies, state and federal institutions.

Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Progress Report (PR series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes, research, variety trials
Size: 3.48 mb
Pages: 29

PR-787

2020 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

11/23/2020 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the highest-yielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Recent emphasis on its use as a grazing crop and the release of grazing-tolerant varieties have raised the following question: Do varieties differ in tolerance to grazing? We have chosen to use the standard tolerance test recommended by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. This test uses continuous heavy grazing to sort out differences in grazing tolerance in a relatively short period of time. This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous heavy grazing pressure during the grazing season.

PR-788

2020 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

11/23/2020 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a low-growing, perennial pasture legume with white flowers. It differs from red clover in that the stems (stolons) grow along the surface of the soil and can form adventitious roots that may lead to the development of new plants.

PR-781

2020 Alfalfa Report

11/16/2020 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has historically been the highest-yielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It is an important part of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Choosing a good variety is a key step in establishing a stand of alfalfa. The choice of variety can impact yield, thickness of stand, and persistence. This report provides yield data on alfalfa varieties included in current yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting alfalfa varieties.

PR-782

2020 Red and White Clover Report

11/16/2020 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

This report provides current yield and persistence data on red and white clover varieties included in yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting clover varieties. Tables 14 and 15 show a summary of all clover varieties tested in Kentucky for the past 15 years. The UK Forage Extension website at forages.ca.uky.edu contains electronic versions of all forage variety testing reports from Kentucky and surrounding states and a large number of other forage publications.

PR-769

2019 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/4/2019 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

PR-770

2019 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/4/2019 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

PR-775

2019 Kentucky Soybean Performance Tests

11/27/2019 (new)
Authors: Joshua Duckworth, Claire Venard

The Kentucky Soybean Variety Performance Tests are conducted to provide an unbiased and objective estimate of the relative performance of soybean varieties commercially available in Kentucky. This information may be used by growers and seed producers to aid in selecting varieties that will give the highest total production in a specific situation. Soybean cultivars in the 2019 tests were entered by soybean growers, commercial companies, state and federal institutions.

PR-763

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous heavy grazing pressure during the grazing season. Table 5 shows a summary of all alfalfa varieties tested in Kentucky during the last 18 years.

Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Progress Report (PR series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes, research, variety trials
Size: 350 kb
Pages: 4

PR-750

2018 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

11/27/2018 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of clover varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure. Table 10 shows a summary of all white clover varieties tested in Kentucky during the last 15 years.

PR-743

2018 Alfalfa Report

11/19/2018 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

This report provides yield data on alfalfa varieties included in current yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting alfalfa varieties. Tables 14 and 15 (Roundup Ready varieties) shows a summary of all alfalfa varieties tested in Kentucky during the past 16 years. The UK Forage Extension website, at www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage, contains electronic versions of all forage variety testing reports from Kentucky and surrounding states as well as a large number of other forage publications.

PR-744

2018 Red and White Clover Report

11/19/2018 (new)
Authors: Jimmy Henning, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

This report provides current yield and persistence data on red and white clover varieties included in yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting clover varieties. Tables 12 and 13 show a summary of all clover varieties tested in Kentucky for the past 15 years. The UK Forage Extension website at www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage contains electronic versions of all forage variety testing reports from Kentucky and surrounding states and a large number of other forage publications.

AGR-236

Managing Frost Damaged Alfalfa Stands

3/19/2018 (new)
Authors: Matthew Dixon, Jimmy Henning, Tom Keene, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

Wide fluctuations in springtime temperature are common in Kentucky. Late freezing temperatures in the spring can cause damage to alfalfa depending on how far along it is in breaking dormancy. This publication provides information on the effect of low spring temperatures on both established and new alfalfa stands that have begun growth, as well as a method of predicting sensitivity to late frosts or freezes.

Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes
Size: 2.40 mb
Pages: 3

PPFS-AG-F-10

Possible Causes of Yellowing Alfalfa

2/16/2018 (new)
Authors: Chris Teutsch, Paul Vincelli, Kiersten Wise

During spring, several leaf spotting diseases--including Leptosphaerulina (Lepto) leaf spot and spring black stem/leaf spot--are common in alfalfa. Leaf spotting diseases result in distinct round to elongated spots that sometimes have a dark margin. Very wet weather in spring and early summer favor activity of leaf spotting diseases in first and second cuttings. Wet and humid weather during summer favor other leaf spotting and blighting diseases. All leaf spots and blights weaken plants, but alfalfa often outgrows the damage in later cuttings. Maintain a regular cutting schedule, cutting at 30- to 35-day intervals.

Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Forage Disease: Plant Pathology Factsheet (PPFS-AG-F series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes, pests, plant diseases
Size: 754 kb
Pages: 4

PR-733

2017 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/11/2017 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

PR-734

2017 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/11/2017 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a low-growing, perennial pasture legume with white flowers. It differs from red clover in that the stems (stolons) grow along the surface of the soil and can form adventitious roots that may lead to the development of new plants. This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of clover varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure.

PR-727

2017 Alfalfa Report

11/29/2017 (new)
Authors: Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

PR-728

2017 Red and White Clover Report

11/27/2017 (new)
Authors: Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch

This report provides current yield and persistence data on red and white clover varieties included in yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting clover varieties. Tables 13 and 14 show a summary of all clover varieties tested in Kentucky for the past 15 years. The UK Forage Extension website at www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage contains electronic versions of all forage variety testing reports from Kentucky and surrounding states and a large number of other forage publications.

PR-709

2016 Alfalfa Report

12/13/2016 (new)
Authors: Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has historically been the highestyielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It is an important part of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Choosing a good variety is a key step in establishing a stand of alfalfa. The choice of variety can impact yield, thickness of stand, and persistence. This report provides yield data on alfalfa varieties included in current yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting alfalfa varieties.

PR-710

2016 Red and White Clover Report

12/13/2016 (new)
Authors: Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived, perennial legume used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties generally are productive for 2.5 to 3 years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures and hay fields. This report provides current yield data on red and white clover varieties included in yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting clover varieties.

PR-722

2016 Kentucky Soybean Performance Tests

12/9/2016 (new)
Authors: Joshua Duckworth, Claire Venard

The Kentucky Soybean Variety Performance Tests are conducted to provide an unbiased and objective estimate of the relative performance of soybean varieties sold in Kentucky. This information may be used by growers and seed producers to aid in selecting varieties that will give the highest total production in a specific situation. Soybean cultivars in the 2016 tests were entered by soybean growers, commercial companies, and state and federal institutions.

PR-715

2016 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

11/17/2016 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-716

2016 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

11/17/2016 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-700

2015 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/14/2015 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-701

2015 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/14/2015 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-694

2015 Alfalfa Report

11/23/2015 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-695

2015 Red and White Clover Report

11/23/2015 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-682

2014 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/2/2014 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure.

PR-683

2014 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/2/2014 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of red and white clover varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure.

PPFS-AG-F-9

Managing Diseases of Alfalfa

12/1/2014 (new)
Authors: Ray Smith, Paul Vincelli

Alfalfa can be a vigorous and productive forage crop for Kentucky farmers. Like all farm crops, however, alfalfa is subject to infectious diseases that can limit forage production. Managing these diseases is an important part of economical alfalfa production.

PR-676

2014 Alfalfa Report

11/25/2014 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-677

2014 Red and White Clover Report

11/24/2014 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

This report provides current yield data on red and white clover varieties included in yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting clover varieties.

PPFS-AG-S-24

Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Recommendations for Kentucky, 2015

11/1/2014 (reviewed)
Authors: Don Hershman

SCN-resistant soybean varieties are an essential tool in the management of SCN. Although some of the early resistant varieties lagged behind susceptible varieties in yield, newer resistant varieties adapted for use in Kentucky do not suffer the same yield penalty. In fact, in the absence of SCN, it is common for modern SCN-resistant varieties to out-yield the best susceptible varieties in university research trials.

Departments: Plant Pathology
Series: Soybean Disease: Plant Pathology Factsheet (PPFS-AG-S series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes, pests, plant diseases
Size: 546 kb
Pages: 4

PPFS-AG-F-8

Kentucky Plant Disease Management Guide for Forage Legumes

10/1/2014 (new)
Authors: Paul Vincelli

Disease management in forage legumes relies heavily on using disease-resistant varieties and employing sound agronomic practices. It is important to integrate both of these strategies into a comprehensive disease management program. Failure to consider one or the other will compromise the success of your efforts. The appropriate use of pesticides sometimes plays a significant role in managing certain diseases, but it is secondary to sound cultural practices and proper variety selection.

Departments: Plant Pathology
Series: Forage Disease: Plant Pathology Factsheet (PPFS-AG-F series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes, pests, plant diseases
Size: 907 kb
Pages: 7

CCD-CP-35

Kura Clover

3/1/2014 (minor revision)
Authors: Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser

Kura clover was investigated by the University of Kentucky Department of Plant and Soil Sciences for several years. Unfortunately, due to establishment difficulties, UK researchers have concluded that kura clover succeeds best further north.

Departments: Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology
Series: Crop Profiles: Center for Crop Diversification (CCD-CP series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes
Size: 389 kb
Pages: 2

AGR-210

Fertilizer Management in Alfalfa

1/8/2014 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Lloyd Murdock, Edwin Ritchey, Greg Schwab

Alfalfa is a high quality, valuable forage crop that can be successfully produced on most well-drained soils in Kentucky for hay, silage, and grazing. Fertilizing alfalfa can be uniquely challenging because it is a high-yielding crop that removes a tremendous amount of soil nutrients when compared to other crops grown in Kentucky. A thorough understanding of alfalfa's growth habits, nutrient requirements, and soil nutrient supply mechanisms is necessary to effectively manage fertilizer inputs and maximize profitability while minimizing environmental impact.

Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: cover and forage crops, crops and plants, farm crops, legumes, nutrient management, production practices
Size: 4 kb
Pages: 4

PR-667

2013 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

11/25/2013 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of red and white clover varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure.

PR-666

2013 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

11/22/2013 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous heavy grazing pressure during the grazing season.

PR-661

2013 Red and White Clover Report

11/18/2013 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

This report provides current yield data on red and white clover varieties included in yield trials in Kentucky as well as guidelines for selecting clover varieties.

PR-660

2013 Alfalfa Report

11/15/2013 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

CCD-CP-39

Red and White Clover

5/28/2013 (minor revision)
Authors: Kenny Burdine, Cheryl Kaiser

Red and white (ladino) clovers are high quality forage legumes with excellent feed value and animal palatability. Red clover (Trifolium pretense), a tall-growing and short-lived perennial, is used for hay, pasture, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitats. While white clover (Trifolium repens), a low-growing perennial, is best suited for grazing, it can also be used for soil improvement and reclaiming disturbed land.

PPFS-AG-S-19

Soybean Foliar Spots and Blights

5/1/2013 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Soybean foliage is susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial pathogens. These pathogens cause leaf spots and blights and are generally common in Kentucky; however, few fields in any given year are seriously damaged by foliar diseases. Crop rotation and weather that is unfavorable to disease typically keeps foliar diseases at low levels. Occasionally an extended period of wet and humid weather in July to early August will result in significant amounts of foliar disease and yields may be seriously affected. However, this scenario is relatively uncommon in Kentucky.

CCD-CP-21

Alfalfa

4/2/2013 (minor revision)
Authors: Kenny Burdine, Cheryl Kaiser

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has the highest yield potential and highest feeding values of all adapted perennial forage legumes. It is a versatile crop that may be used for pasture, hay, silage, green-chop, pellets, cubes, soil improvement, and soil conservation.

CCD-CP-41

Specialty Soybeans

3/19/2013 (minor revision)
Authors: Carl Dillon, Cheryl Kaiser, Michael Vassalos

The first commercial use of soybean (Glycine max) was for its oil; however, this crop is now considered a valuable source of protein as well. Specialty or novel soybeans are used to produce various soyfoods of Asian origin, such as tofu, miso, soy sauce, natto, soymilk, and tempeh. Assorted health food snacks, energy foods, and cereals are also produced from specialty soybeans. Other uses include bean sprouts and soy nuts.

PR-649

2012 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/5/2012 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-650

2012 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/5/2012 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties are generally productive for two and a half to three years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, high yield, and animal acceptance.

PR-643

2012 Alfalfa Report

11/26/2012 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has historically been the highest-yielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Choosing a good variety is a key step in establishing a stand of alfalfa. The choice of variety can impact yield, thickness of stand, and persistence.

PR-644

2012 Red and White Clover Report

11/26/2012 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived, perennial legume used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties generally are productive for 2.5 to 3 years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, yield, and animal acceptance.

PPFS-AG-S-3

Downy Mildew of Soybean

9/1/2012 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Small, irregular spots on upper leaf surfaces are initially pale yellow in appearance, later becoming gray-brown with a yellowish margin. On the underside of the leaves, the spots have a gray, fuzzy appearance due to the presence of the pathogen. These fungal-like tufts are reproductive structures of the organism and their appearance is diagnostic for this disease. Symptoms frequently occur at low levels throughout the crop canopy. Early leaf spots are non-descript and are commonly confused with leaf spots and pustules caused by soybean rust.

PPFS-AG-S-4

Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot of Soybean

7/1/2012 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRSR), caused by Phythophthora sojae, is infrequently encountered in Kentucky. However, where it does occur, the disease can be quite destructive. Soon after planting, P. sojae can cause damping-off of germinating seeds and/or young seedlings. Severe stand loss often necessitates replanting. Alternately, this pathogen can infect and kill established plants of susceptible soybean varieties any time during the season. Varieties that have some resistance to P. sojae may be stunted, but rarely die. PRSR is primarily a problem in poorly drained fields (due to high clay content, "hard pan," and/or soil compaction) or areas of fields that are prone to flooding.

PPFS-AG-S-1

Brown Spot of Soybean

6/1/2012 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Brown spot, caused by the fungus Septoria glycines, is present in all soybean fields in Kentucky. In most years the disease causes little to no yield impact; however, up to 15% yield losses can occur in select environments. For example, brown sport tends to be worse where soybeans follow no-till soybeans, where early-maturing varieties are planted, and/or when fields are planted in late April. River bottom fields or fields subject to fog or morning shade are frequently impacted.

PR-633

2011 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/23/2011 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-634

2011 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/23/2011 (new)
Authors: Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-627

2011 Alfalfa Report

12/19/2011 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has historically been the highest yielding, highest quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Choosing a good variety is a key step in establishing a stand of alfalfa. The choice of variety can impact yield, thickness of stand, and persistence.

PR-628

2011 Red and White Clover Report

12/19/2011 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived, perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties are generally productive for two-and-a-half to three years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, high yield, and animal acceptance.

PPFS-AG-S-12

Seed Treatment Fungicides for Soybeans: Issues to Consider

4/1/2011 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Kentucky soybean producers frequently ask the question "Is it advisable to treat soybean seed with fungicides?" There is no pat answer to this question because of the many variables involved. Historically, soybean has not been treated to the same extent that corn and wheat have in the U.S. There are many good reasons for this, and some of them are discussed below. However, the trend is toward greater use of fungicide seed treatment on soybean, both in Kentucky and nationally.

PR-615

2010 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/15/2010 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Eric Vanzant

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the highest yielding, highest quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Recent emphasis on its use as a grazing crop and the release of grazing-tolerant varieties have raised the following question: Do varieties differ in tolerance to grazing? We have chosen to use the standard tolerance test recommended by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. This test uses continuous heavy grazing to sort out differences in grazing tolerance in a relatively short period of time.

PR-616

2010 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/15/2010 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Eric Vanzant

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived, perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties are generally productive for two and a half to three years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, high yield and animal acceptance.

PR-609

2010 Alfalfa Report

12/6/2010 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-610

2010 Red and White Clover Report

12/6/2010 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PPFS-AG-S-23

Soybean Rust Fungicide Use Guidelines

6/1/2010 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Effective use of fungicides to control soybean rust is not very complicated. The whole idea is to wait to spray until the soybean rust risk is at least moderate, and make a fungicide application before significant infection has occurred. This means applying fungicides when plant pathologists in and around Kentucky are "sounding the alarm," but before symptoms are evident. Many soybean producers in the deep South have been using fungicides to control soybean rust since 2005 with considerable success. I believe we will have the same experience if it ever becomes necessary to apply fungicides for soybean rust in Kentucky.

PPFS-AG-S-13

Soybean Diseases Control Series: Soybean Cyst Nematode

1/1/2010 (minor revision)
Authors: Don Hershman

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) exists virtually everywhere soybean is grown in Kentucky. The pest is insidious in that significant yield damage often occurs without the appearance of visible disease symptoms. This is an extremely important point because it suggests that farmers are frequently unaware that SCN is active and doing damage in a field.

PR-589

2009 Alfalfa Report

11/24/2009 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-590

2009 Red and White Clover Report

11/24/2009 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Norm Taylor

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived, perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. This species is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Stands of improved varieties are generally productive for two to three years, with the highest yields occurring in the year following establishment. Red clover is used primarily as a renovation legume for grass pastures. It is a dominant forage legume in Kentucky because it is relatively easy to establish and has high forage quality, high yield, and animal acceptance.

PR-595

2009 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

11/24/2009 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Eric Vanzant

PR-596

2009 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

11/24/2009 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Norm Taylor, Eric Vanzant

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (Trifolium repens) are both high-quality forage legumes that are used primarily in mixed stands with tall fescue or orchardgrass for improving yield and quality of pastures.

PPFS-AG-F-5

Crown Rots of Alfalfa

5/1/2009 (minor revision)
Authors: Paul Vincelli

Crown rots are chronic disease problems of alfalfa throughout the world. Crown rots cause loss of stand and forage yield in several ways. If the crowns are rotted severely enough, infected plants will die simply by being choked off. Carbohydrates for winter survival are stored in the crown and upper taproot. By rotting this area, crown rots also make alfalfa plants more sensitive to winter kill. Some crown rot fungi produce toxins, thus weakening or even killing the plant.

PPFS-AG-F-3

Common Alfalfa Seedling Diseases and Disorders

3/1/2009 (minor revision)
Authors: Ray Smith, Paul Vincelli

Alfalfa seedlings are subject to a number of biotic and abiotic problems which can affect establishment. Several of the more common seedling diseases and disorders are described below. This information is being provided as a diagnostic aid; publications which provide specific management and production information can be found in the resource list.

PPFS-AG-F-4

"Emergency" Inoculation for Poorly Inoculated Legumes

2/1/2009 (minor revision)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Ray Smith, Paul Vincelli

Frequently, stunted and yellowed legumes are thought by growers to be diseased. Close examination often reveals that such "diseased" plants are actually just poorly nodulated.

PR-573

2008 Alfalfa Report

12/3/2008 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith

PR-574

2008 Red and White Clover Report

12/3/2008 (new)
Authors: David Ditsch, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Norm Taylor

PR-579

2008 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

12/3/2008 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Eric Vanzant

PR-580

2008 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

12/3/2008 (new)
Authors: Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith, Norm Taylor, Eric Vanzant

PPFS-AG-F-2

Risk Factors for Sclerotinia Crown and Stem Rot in Fall-Seeded Alfalfa

12/1/2008 (minor revision)
Authors: Paul Vincelli

Alfalfa seeded during late summer or fall is susceptible to the destructive disease Sclerotinia crown and stem rot. Fall-seeded stands are particularly vulnerable to this disease because the young seedlings have not had sufficient time to develop adequate resistance before infectious spores of the pathogen are produced in late October. In contrast, spring-seeded stands are able to develop larger, more resistant crowns prior to this infectious period. Thus, spring plantings are better able to withstand an attack, should these air-borne spores be present in the field.

PPFS-AG-F-1

Summertime Foliar Diseases of Alfalfa

11/1/2008 (minor revision)
Authors: Paul Vincelli

Warm, humid weather can favor development of foliar diseases of alfalfa during summer.

PPFS-AG-F-6

Alfalfa Diseases Caused by Rhizoctonia Fungi

11/1/2008 (minor revision)
Authors: Paul Vincelli

Rhizoctonia fungi, particularly Rhizoctonia solani, are found in most agricultural soils in Kentucky. These fungi are natural soil inhabitants that colonize and live on dead organic matter. Under the right environmental conditions, the Rhizoctonia organisms are often able to attack living plants, including alfalfa. When warm, wet conditions prevail, Rhizoctonia fungi can cause just about every conceivable type of alfalfa disease.