Carbofuran was applied at planting to study the influence on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth, potato leafhopper, Empoasea fabae (Harris), and seedcorn maggot, Hylemya platura (Meigen). No increases in radicle length, trifoliate leaf development, or dry matter resulted from carbofuran application to alfalfa seedlings grown in a growth chamber using plastic pouches. High rates of carbofuran produced toxicity symptoms, reduced growth and increased protein content of plants. No-till alfalfa was seeded with granular carbofuran into a cereal rye cover crop in late March and late April of 1982. Conventional alfalfa plantings were made in March and April of 1981 and 1982 using granular and flowable formulations of carbofuran. Soi 1 samples were screened for soil-dwelling insects. Potato leafhopper populations were monitored by sweep net sampling. Severe seedcorn maggot damage and high larval populations were associated with conventionally planted fields prepared by disking a small grain cover crop, and were effectively controlled by carbofuran. Conventional plantings without a previous cover crop and no-till plantings were not visibly affected by seedcorn maggots. Potato leafhopper populations were not affected by carbofuran applications at planting, however, results may have been influenced by insecticide applications surrounding the study area. The use of carbofuran increased seedling populations on three occasions, only one of which was associated with visible insect damage. Yield increases associated with carbofuran were observed in the first harvests of three conventional plantings and one no-till planting, indicating that early growth stages of alfalfa were the most susceptible to pest damage. Total yields were increased by carbofuran applications in only two of nine plantings, both conventionally established. Carbofuran applications greater than 1. 1 kg ai/ha were of no benefit and should not be recommended for alfalfa establishment. / M.S.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) have many desirable forage attributes, are grown extensively throughout the USA, and combined form a productive pasture mixture. The objective of this research was to develop recommended management practices for alfalfa-tall fescue mixtures and compare livestock performance, forage quality, and productivity of this mixture to N-fertilized endophyte-free tall fescue. Forty-eight Angus or Angus crossbred steers were rotationally stocked on a four-replicate alfalfa-tall fescue and N-fertilized tall fescue pasture system during 2002 and 2003. Livestock gain, forage quality, and forage production were monitored throughout the seasons. Management treatments conducted within wire exclosures included defoliation height, rest period, exclosure movement, and month and were evaluated using detailed botanical composition and persistence measurements. Defoliation height, rest period, and month all affected alfalfa-tall fescue competition. Alfalfa was generally more competitive with longer rest periods and shorter heights, although results were not consistent. Alfalfa composition and persistence declined dramatically over the 2003 season due to climate, grazing management, and cultivar. Cool, high moisture conditions stimulated tall fescue growth and reduced alfalfa vigor and survival. Livestock gains were higher for pure tall fescue at one date in 2002, but higher overall for alfalfa-tall fescue during 2003. Forage quality (CP, NDF and ADF) was consistently higher for alfalfa-tall fescue during both seasons. In conclusion, both alfalfa-tall fescue and N-fertilized endophyte-free tall fescue produce productive pastures and high ADG in beef steers in Virginia, but continued management research is required to maintain the alfalfa component of this mixture. / Master of Science

No description available.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1929 M32

LD2668 .T4 1940 C8 / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1929 B81

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1951 F63 / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1952 S93 / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1955 K64 / Master of Science