Weed & Insect Management

Weed Management

Weed management techniques in forage crops start with proper attention to soil fertility and grazing or cutting height management. Many of the forage crops that we grow can compete with or even out-compete weeds if they are managed right. Herbicides, however, are needed from time to time. Below are some articles developed by Dr. Patrick McCullough, Weed Extension Specialist at UGA-Griffin Campus, that can help differentiate between the many herbicide options for forage crops in Georgia.

Some herbicides can persist and remain active even after passing through the animal's digestive system. A new website at www.manurematters.com (developed by Dow Agrosciences) helps to explain best management practices for managing manure that may contain these persistent herbicides.

For more information about weed management in forage crops, check out the Weed Control information in the most current Georgia Pest Management Handbook.

 

Insect Management

Insects frequently cause damage to forage crops. But, the damage (or potential for damage) may not justify the application of an insecticide or other control strategies. However, there are some situations where an insecticide may be the most appropriate control strategy. Below are articles developed by Drs. David Buntin and Will Hudson, Extension Entomologists at UGA.

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot

We still do not have an insecticide that can successfully eradicate the invasive bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM). However, we have been able to suppress the fly population and the associated damage by the maggot when affected bermudagrass fields received two applications: 1) applying a pyrethroid (any labeled pyrethroid seems to work) 7-10 days after the bermudagrass has been cut, and 2) a second application 7-10 days later. Because of the expense of these treatments, these applications should only be made if a history of BSM damage would suggest that greater than 0.25 ton/acre yield loss from the BSM is to be expected.

Sugarcane Aphids

We also have a major new pest on all members of the sorghum family (grain sorghum, forage sorghum, sorghum x sudangrass, sudangrass, Johnsongrass, etc.). This insect can cause substantial yield and quality losses. View more information on management of this insect pest.

For more information about insect management in forage crops, check out the Insect Control information in the most current Georgia Pest Management Handbook.

 

Disease Management

There are no legal, effective, or economical fungicides to control forage diseases. This removes any possibility of chemical control. Therefore, disease management in forage crops require close attention to cultural practices and variety selection.

For more information about weed, insect, or disease management in forages or other agronomic and horticulture crops, access the most current Georgia Pest Management Handbook.