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Last cutting of alfalfaBy David G. Hallauer District Extension Agent Crops & Soils/Horticulture Serious alfalfa growers know that the longer a stand survives and produces well, the more economical it becomes. Stand survival depends on a lot of things. This year's stands have been severely hit with freeze, insect, and disease. Managing those in combination with harvest timing and a fertility program and you have a recipe for success--or disaster. At this time of year, our final cutting of alfalfa should be in the back of our minds. This cutting should be timed carefully since it could have a long-lasting impact on the productivity of the stand, something made all the more important by this year's stresses. Over the next couple of weeks, plants need to at least start storing enough carbohydrates to survive the winter. The last cutting has to be timed properly for this to occur. If root reserves are not replenished adequately before the first killing freeze (24 to 26 degrees) in the fall, the stand is more susceptible to winter damage than it would be normally. That could result in slower early growth next spring. So when should the last cutting occur? It should be made so there are 8 to 12 inches of foliage, or 4 to 6 weeks of growth time, before the average alfalfa killing freeze date. This should allow adequate time for replenishment of root reserves. For those of us here in northeast Kansas, we're looking at an early to mid-October time frame. If we do receive good rain in September, there may be the temptation to harvest the forage again later if significant growth has occurred. Cutting at that time will allow regrowth, which reduces root reserves during a critical time. About the worst thing that could happen would be for the plants to grow about 3 to 6 inches and then get a killing frost, because the root reserves would be low. That could hamper green-up next spring. After a killing freeze, the remaining forage (if any) can be hayed safely. However, the producer should act quickly because the leaves will soon drop off. Twig girdlers Twig girdlers are active, and we've already seen a few elm branches on the ground. Although they have a wide host range, elm seems to be a favorite in Kansas. As the name implies, twig girdlers cut around branches leaving a thin central core attaching the branch to the tree. Because severed branches are cut off from the food supply, the terminal portion dies and becomes brittle. Eventually, the central core snaps, and branch litter accumulates beneath trees. Why do beetles girdle branches? Twig girdler larvae require dry wood for growth and development. Beetles deposit eggs beyond the cut, ensuring larvae survival in fallen branches. Close examination of scattered branches reveals egg-laying sites near bud scars or sideshoots. For the homeowner, twig girdlers are a nuisance--unsightly branches litter lawns and make lawn mowing difficult. It is a good idea to gather and dispose of branches. Removing branches reduces next season's beetles. Does that mean twig girdlers won't be around the next year? Not necessarily--look up and you'll likely see many dead branches caught in tree canopies. Control is best accomplished by removal of these dead limbs as possible. Date: 9/6/07
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