Effect of BAS125 10W on late spring/early summer alfalfa growth, 1998

Abstract

Four rates of BAS125 were evaluated to document rate effects on reduction in stem elongation and associated increase in alfalfa leaves during the peak period of summer growth. Increasing rates of BAS125 resulted in greater inhibition of alfalfa stem elongation, as the highest rate (0.1875 lbs. a.i./acre) had stems 27-37% shorter than the untreated check through 12 days post treatment, and 20% shorter thereafter. Alfalfa weights (both stem and leaf) were also reduced by BAS125 treatments through 12 days after treatment. Higher rates resulted in lighter leaves. Significantly more trifoliate leaves were noted at the higher rates of BAS125 at 19 days after treatment, as was increased leaf and stem weights than untreated check with most noted at the 0.125 rate. Stem diameters were not significantly different, although untreated stems were wider. Numerically more open flowers were documented with usage of BAS125 at 19 days post treatment, but fewer floral racemes/stem were associated with higher rates at 27 days post treatment. No differences existed for alfalfa plant height measurements in regrowth following harvest, indicating that application of BAS125 are only effective on forage harvest to which they were applied and have no subsequent residual effect.