Pests

Alfalfa nematodes

Medicago sativa L.

The primary alfalfa pathogens are the stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) and the alfalfa cyst nematode (Heterodera medicaginis). They cause tissue deformation, growth retardation, and a decline in crop productivity.

In the reference 62 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

The stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci is a migratory endoparasite represented by a complex of specialized races. Alfalfa infestation is characterized by the twisting and thickening of stems, as well as the appearance of characteristic spongy areas in the tissues where cell separation occurs due to nematode feeding.

The alfalfa cyst nematode Heterodera medicaginis is a highly specialized parasite that causes heteroderoz. The harmfulness of this species depends directly on the population density of larvae in the soil, with the economic threshold ranging from 330 to 890 larvae per 100 cm³ of soil.

General information about the subject — on the page Nematodes.

Sources8

Varieties of Alfalfa mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.