Highly Resistant to Black Cow Pea Aphid
Genetic Background
A very non-dormant variety selected from germplasm with strong spring and fall height, multiple pest resistance including the Black Cow Pea Aphid and adaptation to the southwestern U.S.
Management Profile
- Well adapted to the soils and management practices of the non-dormant production areas.
- Expect season-long productivity and excellent forage test results.
- Medium-early maturity and rapid recovery after harvest.
- A variety that responds to balanced inputs and aggressive management.
Field Appearance at Harvest Maturity
Medium-tall plants with good leaf density
Medium-dark green foliage at mid-bud stage
Performance For the Way You Farm
Outstanding head to head yield performance versus widely grown competitive alfalfas.
11% milk per acre advantage over Cuf 101.
Key Agronomic Characteristics
Fall Dormancy: 10
Multifoliolate Leaf Expression: Trifoliolate
Ratings are based on average performance of the variety over a wide range of climate and soil types. Actual performance may be adversely affected by extreme conditions. Unless stated, ratings are based on standardized testing procedures endorsed by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference.
PGI 1007 BA is the first commercial variety with high resistance to the Black Cow Pea Aphid.
Black Cow Pea Aphids (Aphic Craccivora) infestations are common in Arizona, the Imperial Valley and the Palo Verde Valley of California during January, February or March. Damaging infestations are less common in the San Joaquin Valley of California, but economic losses can occur. Unlike other aphid species which are either spring aphids or summer aphids, the Black Cow Pea Aphid has a broad temperature range and has a wide geographic distribution around the world. Infestations are usually difficult to predict.
Management for the Black Cow Pea Aphid includes using a resistant variety or applying an insecticide to susceptible alfalfas when infestations reach economic thresholds. See the article, “Higher temps suspect in aphid hits in alfalfa,” in the November 17, 2007 issue of Western Farm Press – Higher Temps Suspect in Aphid Hits in Alfalfa. Planting a highly resistant variety like PGI 1007 BA offers growers field protection without sacrificing yield or quality when Black Cow Pea Aphids aren’t present.
