A large leaflet alfalfa was developed with five cycles of recurrent selection. This new germplasm was compared to the original population 'Hayden' for nutrient composition. Crude protein, lignin, cell solubles, hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber were not significantly different among the cycles and the original population of alfalfa at the June and July harvests. Ether extract (lipid) did drop considerably in plants of the first two cycles, but was not different in plants from Hayden in cycle five at the first harvest. Selection for large leaflets has not significantly changed the nutrient composition components after five cycles of recurrent selection.

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Optimum design and management of irrigated wheat production is limited by the scarcity of information available on yield variability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability in soil-water parameters and the effects compared to grain yield response under level-basin irrigation. Three levels of seasonal irrigation water and two border lengths were used. Grain yields were found to increase significantly with the amount of water applied and soil water depletion (estimate of crop evapotranspiration), although yield variability was greater with reduced or deficit irrigations. Variations in soil water content were responsible for about 22% of the variability in grain yield, indicating that other soil and crop- related factors had a significant influence on production. Spatial dependence was exhibited over a greater distance at the wetter compared with the drier irrigation regimes.

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Alfalfa stem nematodes have become a more serious pest since the advent of non -dormant alfalfa. Their distribution has increased and their period of feeding activity has been prolonged. A state survey has been conducted to determine the presence of the nematode in the principal alfalfa- growing areas of the state. The population dynamics were followed during the 1985-86 growing season. Alfalfa samples, including stems and crowns, were taken from selected fields in each geographic area and the nematodes were extracted. Populations from the samples determined the fields infested and the periods of feeding and reproduction. More than one -half of the fields sampled in the Salt River Valley were infested with the nematode and new infestations were found in Yuma County. Warm weather from October through the winter permitted nematode activity, causing serious stand decline. This pest is becoming more widely distributed and more economically important to alfalfa growers in Arizona.

Alfalfa may be harvested and used as green feed, pellets, haylage, cubes, hays or matured for seed. The value of the product is determined in part by the yield, costs of production, demand and end usage. The high nutrient composition makes this feed a major component of balanced rations. However, its quality is highly variable from production through harvest, storage and feeding.

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