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.

Four rates of BAS125 were evaluated to document rate effects on reduction in stem elongation and associated increase in alfalfa leaves during the peak period of summer growth. Increasing rates of BAS125 resulted in greater inhibition of alfalfa stem elongation, as the highest rate (0.1875 lbs. a.i./acre) had stems 27-37% shorter than the untreated check through 12 days post treatment, and 20% shorter thereafter. Alfalfa weights (both stem and leaf) were also reduced by BAS125 treatments through 12 days after treatment. Higher rates resulted in lighter leaves. Significantly more trifoliate leaves were noted at the higher rates of BAS125 at 19 days after treatment, as was increased leaf and stem weights than untreated check with most noted at the 0.125 rate. Stem diameters were not significantly different, although untreated stems were wider. Numerically more open flowers were documented with usage of BAS125 at 19 days post treatment, but fewer floral racemes/stem were associated with higher rates at 27 days post treatment. No differences existed for alfalfa plant height measurements in regrowth following harvest, indicating that application of BAS125 are only effective on forage harvest to which they were applied and have no subsequent residual effect.

Alfalfa was treated with five rates of BAS125 on August 5, 1997. Data were obtained to determine rate effects on stem regrowth (both height and width), trifoliate leaves, and yield. Variation in plot area affected some results. No statistical differences were noted for quality classification or yields, although increased protein levels were noted from BAS125 treatments. Increasing BAS125 rates resulted in significant decreases in plant height and significant increases in numbers of trifoliate leaves at nodes 1-6. Differences in stem diameters were also noted, with stem width affected by rate of BAS125 at lower portions of stem. Differences in stem diameters of upper parts of stems were primarily associated with plant height reductions as a function of BAS125 rate.

3 pp. / “Summer slump” is a decline in growth of alfalfa usually beginning in July in areas where maximum daily temperature exceeds 100 °F, such as the low elevation deserts of Southwestern U.S (Fig. 1). In more temperate regions, there is a gradual decrease in alfalfa yield in successive harvests throughout the year, but the yield decline in the summer is not as sharp as in hot summer regions. The term summer slump has also been applied to reduction in growth of perennial cool season grasses such as tall fescue during the summer.