B-761R

Alfalfa Stem Nematode Biology and Management

By Fred A. Gray and Gary D. Franc,

Department of Plant Sciences

The stem nematode (SN) Ditylenchus dipsaci causes major losses of alfalfa in Wyoming. It occurs where irrigated alfalfa is grown but is worse in high-clay soils. It is not a problem in dryland alfalfa.

The symptoms, disease cycle, and management options for alfalfa nematode are discussed in this bulletin along with information on crop rotation, fall burning, nematicide application, and resistant cultivars.