Chemical selector
The Pesticide Selector includes suggestions for chemical control of pests in Kansas crops, which are provided by K-State Research and Extension, and may not be relevant for states other than Kansas. We will continue to expand this tool for help in selecting other types of agricultural chemicals, and for other states. Contact the myFields Team if you are interested in contributing content!
The herbicide performance ratings are taken from: C.R. Thompson, D.E. Peterson, W.H. Fink, P.W. Stahlman, and J.W. Slocombe. 2020. Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland, Kansas State University, January 2016. Contribution no. 16-029-S from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Find it online at the bookstore.
The insecticide recommendations are taken from: B.P. McCornack, S. Zukoff, R.J. Whitworth, J.P. Michaud, and H.N. Schwarting. 2019. Insect Management Guides. March 2018. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. PDF formats are available here.
Click here for a How-to Tutorial.
Crop type: Alfalfa
Arthropod: Alfalfa Caterpillar
This carbamate insecticide is sold by several companies and in different formulations. Check the product label to make sure it is approved for the intended use. Signal word on label: CAUTION or WARNING depending on formulation. BEE CAUTION: Do not apply or allow to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area. Carbaryl is extremely hazardous to aquatic invertebrates, so do not apply directly over water. Some phytotoxicity is possible and may cause bleaching of tender alfalfa foliage. Most labels recommend the use of 25 to 40 gallons of water with ground equipment to ensure adequate coverage. Refer to specific product labels for information on chemigation. Apply only once per cutting. REI is 12 hours. Do not apply within 7 days of harvest or grazing.