KENTUCKY: Winter temperatures have a significant impact on insect survival and pest activity for the upcoming growing season. The above-normal temperatures this winter favored key alfalfa pests, like the alfalfa weevil.

According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, mild temperatures allowed female alfalfa weevils to be active and lay eggs on many winter days, potentially resulting in an early peak of larval feeding this spring. To protect crops, the University of Kentucky recommends the following:

• Early field checks
• Sample for alfalfa weevil
• Choose a seed treatment with insect protection
• Utilize insecticides

The longer a crop is under insect pressure, the more likely it is that yield potential will be affected. Protecting new seedlings with a seed treatment like CruiserMaxx® Alfalfa insecticide/fungicide seed treatment ensures a strong first line of defense against early-season diseases and insects. Additionally, utilizing an insecticide like Warrior II with Zeon Technology® helps ensure fast knockdown and long residual control of the most damaging insects, including alfalfa weevil.

If harvest is delayed, an insecticide like Besiege® is recommended because it also provides residual control after cutting and during regrowth.

Growers are encouraged to be proactive about scouting before and after cutting and to be timely with any treatment applications to help grow more alfalfa.

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©2016 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Besiege and Warrior II with Zeon Technology are Restricted Use Pesticides. Besiege and Warrior II with Zeon Technology are highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops and weeds. Do not apply these products or allow them to drift onto blooming plants while bees are foraging adjacent to the treatment area. CruiserMaxx Alfalfa is an on-seed application of Cruiser Alfalfa insecticide and Apron XL and Maxim 4FS fungicides. Pollinator Precautions: Thiamethoxam, the active ingredient in Cruiser Alfalfa, is highly toxic to bees, and effects are possible as a result of exposure to translocated residues in blooming crops. To mitigate this potential exposure, the first cutting of alfalfa should occur before bloom. Besiege®, CruiserMaxx®, Warrior II with Zeon Technology®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.