Alfalfa weevil, black grass bug strategies focus of Powell, Sheridan workshops
Alfalfa weevil and black grass bug integrated pest management strategies and research are topics of free workshops in Powell and Sheridan, Wyoming, in November.
The Powell workshop is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 13, at the Powell Research and Extension Center, 747 Road 9. The Sheridan workshop is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14, at the Sheridan Research and Extension Center, 3401 Coffeen Ave.
Alfalfa weevil is the most economically damaging insect to alfalfa grown for hay in the Intermountain region, said Blake Hauptman, University of Wyoming Extension educator based in Crook County.
Knowing how to monitor them and when to start a management strategy before populations reach an economic threshold is critical, he said. Improper management can lead to ineffective pesticide applications and waste dollars.
Extension educator Jeremiah Vardiman, based in Park County, will present research and information on alfalfa weevil development and control.
Black grass bugs can cause significant damage to western range grasses, primarily to pastures reseeded to introduced wheatgrasses, said Hauptman.
UW Extension entomologist Scott Schell will discuss impacts and IPM strategies for the pest.
“Pastures with wheatgrass varieties are common in Wyoming and provide substantial amounts of forage for livestock, so it is critical to recognize if black grass bugs are causing considerable damage to your forage resource,” said Hauptman.
Contact Vardiman at 307-754-8836 or [email protected] for information for the Powell workshop, and Hauptman at 307-283-1192 or [email protected] for the Sheridan workshop.
