Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of late fall cutting and winter grazing in combination with alfalfa weevil and weed control on alfalfa forage yield, quality, and stand longevity of three alfalfa cultivars having varying degrees of pest resistance. Although most comparisons of total forage and alfalfa yields showed no significant differences among harvest treatments, yield at first cut was significantly reduced by winter grazing in the first year and was reduced by fall cutting in the fourth year. Yield totals for the 5-yr study showed no significant differences among harvest treatments. Fall cutting and winter grazing had no Significant effect on stand persistence after 5 yr relative to alfalfa left unharvested through winter. Weed and alfalfa weevil infestations reduced alfalfa yields up to 2.4 Mg/ha/yr and accelerated stand decline. Control of weeds and alfalfa weevils allowed stands of improved ‘WL 318’ to remain productive for up to 6 yr. Forage production and stand retention of the unimproved ‘OK08’ were comparable with the other cultivars for the first 3 yr but declined rapidly in the last 2 yr because of extensive weed interference.
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