Alfalfa Diseases
Knowing Alfalfa Diseases and intervening early is of great importance. Since the alfalfa plant is an important food source for animals, its production is equally important. In our article below, we have mentioned frequently seen alfalfa diseases.
Alfalfa Mosaic Virus
Symptoms
The most typical symptom is parallel yellow stripes seen in the leaf veins. Yellow-green mottling is seen on the leaves. On the leaf, which takes on a mosaic appearance as the color change becomes distinct, curls and blisters occur. Stunted plant growth is also among the symptoms.
Agent
Virus
Disease Development Conditions
The virus overwinters in many perennial plants; it is transmitted by aphids; it also spreads through infected seeds and pollen.
Control Method
Since the disease is transmitted by mechanical means, contact of healthy plants with diseased plants should be prevented and they should be removed from the field. Importance should be given to field cleaning, and the formation of plants that can host the disease should be prevented.
Alfalfa Root Rot
Symptoms
Small brown and black lesions that merge on the leaves, causing the leaves to dry and fall, are among its main symptoms. The fungus can also affect the stem, causing the plant to dry and die. Dead plant material falling to the ground may be covered with white mold.
Agent
Fungus
Disease Development Conditions
The fungus can live in the soil for up to 5 years; severely infected pastures can be reduced to piles of decaying plants on the ground.
Control Method
There is no fungicide that can be recommended against this disease. Therefore, resistant varieties should be used and land drainage should be improved by managing water well.
Alfalfa Leaf Spot
Symptoms
Its most important symptom is lesions on the leaf that appear as if black pepper has been sprinkled. These lesions can grow and turn into sores. In severe infections, the sores grow rapidly and cover the entire leaf in a light yellow color. As a result, the leaves turn yellow and fall from the plant.
Agent
Fungus
Disease Development Conditions
They like cool and rainy weather. They overwinter on crop residues. They are more common during periods of excessive rainfall.
Control Method
To prevent severe infections, infected plants should be harvested immediately. Using resistant varieties is also a good method to prevent the disease.
Downy Mildew Disease in Alfalfa
Symptoms
This disease causes the formation of gray or purple-colored mold spots on the underside of alfalfa leaves. Curling and wrinkling are seen in the leaves of the diseased plant, and the plant sometimes cannot bloom.
Agent
Fungus
Disease Development Conditions
It has been determined that it is seen during cool and rainy periods in summer or during warmer, dry periods of spring and autumn. The disease can overwinter in dead leaf debris, crown buds, or seeds.
Control Method
To be protected from the disease, seeds should not be taken from infested fields. Certified seeds should be used. If the disease appears after planting, the alfalfa should be plowed. If the disease has appeared in old alfalfa fields, early cutting should be done.
