014-Lancaster Farming Saturday, February 23,1991 GREENSBORO, N.C.— Establishing a healthy stand of alfalfa can be challenging. Even with good management practices such as proper fertility, variety selection,' and seedbed prepara tion, newly planted alfalfa can still run into problems. Soilbome pathogens such as phytophthora and pythium can attack young alfalfa plants and significantly reduce the stand and plant vigor. University and Ciba-Geigy researchers have tested Ridomil® fungicide on alfalfa for the past eight years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved a label change that allows the product to be used on either spring- or fall-planted alfalfa. Franklin Co. Extension Board Reorganizes CHAMBERSBURG (Franklin Co.) Linda Bender, 1118 L. W.E., Chambersburg, was recen tly elected president of the Frank lin County Cooperative Extension Association board of directors. Reorganization of the board took place February 11 at the County Administration Building, Cham bersburg. Bender, presently in her third year on the board, had previ ously served as vice president. Other officers elected for the coming year include vice presi dent, Clifford Hawbaker, Cham bersburg: secretary, Fran Horst, Orrstown; and treasurer, John Hart, chief clerk of the Franklin County board of commissioners. Board members elected to fill the remaining two seals on the execu tive committee included Diana Meyers, Chambersburg and J. T —» x I THINKING | BUILDING ! READ LANCASTER FARMING'S \ I ADVERTISING TO FIND ALL I * YOUR NEEDS! j />A PARS: GROWN I P I ( posiTIVE Approach for Revitalizing Soils) the MARK 0F QUALITY '— p ~ Distributors Of: CUSTOM A HOMOGENIZED V3\ FARM W & U .,D C LIQUID \<o\ seeds NA'CHURS* fertilizer Products easy-to-use and safe-for-consumer, wildlife, and environment-products excellent (or Foliar, Potted Plants (Green houses) or Starter solutions and for soil needs, such as Calcium. N,P,K, and trace elements. Call 717-367-2667 or 367-1635 Fungicide Newly Cleared In more than 30 trials across the United States, alfalfa treated with the fungicide had average stand increases of 25 percent. Individual increases varied by production and disease conditions. Positive results were recorded in both fall and spring-planted alfalfa. For disease to develop, there must be a disease triangle: 1) a susceptible host; 2) a favorable environment; and 3) disease pathogens. Pythium and phytoph thora both can survive in the soil for long periods of time without a suitable host. When susceptible crops such as alfalfa are planted into infested soils and environ mental conditions favor disease development, it is likely for these disease pathogens to infect the crop. Wilmer Lehman, Willow Hill. Other rcorgamzational activi ties included the appointment of county representatives to the Cap ital Region Cooperative Extension executive board. Selected to serve 2-year terms were J. Wilmer Leh man, delegate and Herbert Zcger, Antrim Builders’ Supply, Green castle, alternate delegate. These joined Jeffrey L. Grove, Shippens burg, and Frank S. Bcckncr, B Equip, Waynesboro, who are pre sently also serving as delegate and alternate delegate, respectively, to the regional board. The county board also set the lime and place of the association’s 1992 annual meeting. It will be held Friday, January 17, 1992, at Kauffman’s Community Center. Snow date is Saturday, January 18. Strickler Metal Roofing SPECIALIZING IN STANDING SEAM ROOFING ROLL FORMED PANELS FOR CONTINUOUS UNIFORM SEAMS Work approx. 60 mile radius of Lebanon, PA For Free Estimate Phone 717-865-3093 Route #2, Box 350-A Annville, PA 17003 Galvanized, Aluminized and other materials available. * #<**■- : ♦ Pythium is most likely to occur when there is ample soil moisture and cool temperatures. Warm temperatures and wet soil condi tions precipitate phytophthora. University research shows that alfalfa stands and plant vigor increase when the fungicide is applied at planting. Dr. Erik Stromberg, plant pathologist at VPI & SU in Blacksburg, VA, has seen significant stand differences in greenhouse trials. “I had a 20-percent increase in stand in greenhouse trials with the fungicide,” said Stromberg. “Alfalfa was planted into soil infested with pythium ultimum. I had two different treatments, one with a seed treatment, the other with a soil application. Both showed positive results compared to the nontreated control. The soil application had the greatest increase in seedling number.” Dr. Landon Rhodes, associate professor of plant pathology, Ohio Stale University, Columbus, has seen significant differences in plant vigor. In 1989, he also saw yield increases in his alfalfa field trials. “Wc have seen noticeable dif ferences in alfalfa plant vigor where Ridomil was applied,” said Rhodes. “The plants are taller and have a healthier appearance. In 1988, conditions were dry and not conducive to disease. In 1989, however, disease conditions >adgi MlmpSyM _ The new g Badger hm DcdoAr TUMBLE-MIX FEED WEIGHER/MIXER • Complete mixing no undermixing or separation • Extreme accuracy with electronic scales NB9OO Power Shuttle Feed '■’■’<4ffcrV(ir V The Simplest, Toughest Fehder You Can Buy! No feed conveying . bells or chains ■ Fast h.gh capacity „ feed distribution Simple worm gear drive ix ■ Weal center charged steel trough replacement feeder umt FORAGE BOXES & BOX SPREADERS Waiver Of Finance Till April, 1991 Or Low Rate Financing •. 0% For 12 Moilths • 7.9% For 24 Months • 8.9% For 36 Months W« Offer A M Line FARMER BOY AG 410 Lincoln Ave 573 Willow Rd Myers town PA 17067 Lancaster PA 17601 (717) 666 7565 (717) 299 2536 BHM FARM EQUIP. INC. CECIL DAIRY STORE RR 1 Annville PA 17003 374 Biggs Highway (717) 8672211 Rising Sun MD 21911 MELVIN G. MILLER (301)658 6923 RT 2 Spring Mills, PA 16875 PIKEVILLE EQUIPMENT INC, (814) 422 8279 RT 2, Ch*y. PA 19547 (215)987 6277 i.a ao sales* J P O Box 200 Silverdtle, PA 18962 An gw» iQwnet For Alfalfa existed and we saw significant yield increases and increased plant vigor.” Rhodes tested Ridomil at one and two-plant rates on untreated seed. The best results were from the one-pint rate, which increased dry matter yields nearly 1,000 pounds. “This is a substantial yield increase in the seedling year,” said Rhodes. “We plan to continue monitoring the field to determine a yield history. Because of the conditions in 1988, we don’t have significant information for second-year results.” (1990 infor mation is not yet available.) Ciba-Geigy, in cooperation with several universities, has sig nificant research data on Ridom il’s ability to improve alfalfa stands by controlling seedling dis eases. Tests completed in the Northeast show stand increases of 14 percent with one-pint broadcast applications of Ridomil. Tests conducted in the West and Mid west show similar stand increases of 11 percent to more than 20 per cent depending on conditions. Ciba-Geigy and university researchers stress that although the fungicide controls seedling diseases, and improves seeding ycar stands, plant vigor and yields, it is not a substitute for good man agement. “Controlling disease is important, but if growers don’t cover the basics of good manage- sms! Ring Silo Uni • Simple, efficient, trouble free drive system • Handles variety of foodstuffs SHOW EASE STALL CO. • Badger built-tough and dependable BN 6000 Belt Feeder Let Badger solve your feeding problems with the heavy duty BN 6000 Belt Feeder/Conveyor. 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Box 164 Lawlilown, PA 17044 (717) 606.7543 HEFLIN SALES A SERVICE 12312 Oak Hill Rd Woods boro, MO 21798 (301) 898 3233 merit, the disease control is almost pointless,” said Rhodes. “To pro duce the best possible alfalfa, growers need to start with soil tests and fertilize to get the proper nutrients in the soil.” Fertility is one basic manage ment practice. Other practices to consider include soil type/site selection, variety, insect control, and harvest schedule. Many production practices vary with location, but most university researchers agree on some basics, such as a suitable site for alfalfa. “The soil must allow for good root development,” said Vem Marble, extension agronomist. University of California, Davis. Once the field is selected and properly prepared, the variety used should be adaptable to the area, with a performance record that meets expectations. Marble encourages growers to monitor for insects. Weeds and pests such as gophers and rabbits also should be controlled. A harvest management sche dule is very important. In Califor nia, Marble says growers should cut their alfalfa at the bud stage. In Ohio, Rhodes suggests a schedule based on standard lime intervals rather than growth. Production practices and harvest scheduled will vary. Alfal fa growers should check with their local extension agent for recom mendations in (heir area. fmßtdger jb« m rsm ausml Silo Unloader Or I FANCY FURROW FARMS AG EQUIP., INC. RR 1, Uhltr Rd Easton PA 18042 (215) 252 8626 *717) 284 3533 HESS' EQUIPMENT Salts 8 Strvict • WhMl 0»»dl Only
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