This experiment tested the effects of a cytokinin containing product (Dry Seed +) on CUF 101 alfalfa when applied with the seed at planting on October 24, 1996, at the rate of 1 /lb product to 100 lb of alfalfa seed. Data indicated a non - statistical yield response averaging 200 lbs an acrefrom treated fields the first cutting, valued at $11 /acre, but yields were identical the second harvest. Alfalfa quality means were very similar for both harvests. A positive net return of $9.76 /acre was noted by using Dry Seed +. More testing is suggested to confirm these findings.

Soil Sunburst was applied at the rate of one quart per acre at two treatment levels (single vs. two applications, applied once per cutting) in irrigation water to a first year stand of CUF 101 alfalfa. Treatments were applied in the first irrigation after the previous cutting in May and June 1996. Treatments applied in May increased relative feed value by over 10% compared to the untreated check in the first cutting (June) after application. This increased alfalfa quality rating from fair to good which increased value of hay by approximately $14 /acre. Mean yields between the treatments and untreated plots were similar, although average yields in untreated plots were 50-90 lbs /acre greater than in treated plots. Yields and quality data were not able to be obtained the second harvest (July), not allowing differences, if any, between one and two applications to be determined immediately after the second application. Yields and hay quality values for treatments in the August harvest were almost identical, indicating that treatment effects noted from the May application (and possibly those of the June application) were short term effects, as they did not continue through the August cutting.

The plant growth regulator Soil Triggrr was applied in basin flood irrigation water to the first (following previous cutting) and last irrigations of a third year stand of CUF 101 alfalfa before a late June 1995 harvest. Effect of product on yield may have been limited by pH as irrigation water pH was approximately 7.9. An increase in yield was noted with product usage, with a greater yield increase noted when applied earlier in crop cycle (first irrigation = 136 lbs hay /acre) rather than later in crop development cycle (last irrigation = 34 lbs hay /acre) when compared with the untreated check Yield from the next (July) harvest was not obtained Yield differences were not statistically different or economic for a single harvest in this experiment. Alfalfa quality was not obtained.