Alfalfa Diseases

Question 1

Anthracnose

Answer 1

Fungus affecting Alfalfa, clover
Stem Lesions, wilt

spreads via rain-splashed spores from debris/plants

Thrives in warm, moist weather

Resistant varieties (1)
Remove debris from equipment(2)

Question 2

Brown Root Rot

Answer 2

Fungus affecting Legumes, grasses

Root/Crown Rot

Lives in the soil

Favored by stresses that weaken the plants

Reduce plant injury and stress (3)

Question 3

Leaf and stem Blight Complex

Answer 3

Fungus affecting small-seeded legumes

Leaf, stem lesions

Rain-splashed or airborne spores from infected debris/plants

Thrives in moist conditions

Harvest early to reduce leaf loss (3)

Question 4

Fusarium Crown and Root Rot

Answer 4

Fungus; many hosts (alfalfa)

Root/Crown Rot

Lives in soil

Favored by stressed plants; Clover Root Curculio; Injured crowns

Reduce plant injury/stress (3)

Question 5

Phytophthora Root Rot

Answer 5

Oomycete affecting alfalfa

Root Rot

Lives in soil

Thrives in wet soil

Resistant Varieties (1)
Anit-oomycete seed fungicides (2)
Soil drainage (2)

Question 6

Verticillium Wilt

Answer 6

Fungus; many dicot plants (alfalfa)

Systemic wilt

Soilborne, also spread by contaminated harvest equipment

Favored by cool, wet weather

Resistant varieties (1)
Rotation with cereals or grasses (3)

Question 7

Pythium Damping-Off

Answer 7

Oomycete; many hosts (alfalfa)

Root/Shoot Rot

In soil

Cool, moist soil

Anit-oomycete seed treatments (1)
Good seedbed prep (2)
Soil drainage (2)