UC IPM Funded Projects: Project Description

Compare timing of sheep grazing in alfalfa for effects on populations of Egyptian alfalfa weevil, predacious insects and spiders in contrast to the highly toxic standard insecticide treatments used for control of Egyptian alfalfa weevil and their impact on beneficial arthropods.

Final report

The sheep and other supplies and equipment were purchased during the summer and fall. Plots were established in December on a stand of CUF 101 alfalfa, and sampling within plots for weevil adults and eggs and predators was initiated. Paddock fences were built and on December 17, 2001, sheep were delivered to a holding area of the alfalfa field to acclimate to the conditions and feed. Pregrazing crop yields samples were taken and grazing in plots began on December 21, 2001. Sheep were moved into the plots of the replicated experiment on January 3, 2002. Four sheep will be fistulate on January 9, 2002, and cannulas will be inserted to facilitate the extraction of extrusa for examination for weevil eggs, weevil larvae, and other insects. Insecticide treatment will be initiated when the Egyptian alfalfa weevil treatment threshold of 20 larvae per sweep is reached or when there are 50 to 60 cowpea aphids per stem.

Second-year
progress

The sheep and other supplies and equipment were purchased during the summer and fall. Plots were established in December on a stand of CUF 101 alfalfa and sampling within plots for weevil adults, eggs and predators was initiated. Paddock fences were built and on December 17, 2001. Sheep were delivered to a holding area of the alfalfa field to acclimate to the conditions and feed. Pre-grazing crop yields samples were taken and grazing in plots began on December 21, 2001. Sheep were moved into the plots of the replicated experiment on January 3, 2002. Four sheep will be fistulate on January 9, 2002, and cannulas will be inserted to facilitate the extraction of extrusa for examination for weevil eggs, weevil larvae, and other insects. Insecticide treatment will be initiated when the Egyptian alfalfa weevil treatment threshold of 20 larvae per sweep is reached or when there are 50 to 60 cowpea aphids per stem.

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Project description