SW5615

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Description

SW5615 FD5 alfalfa has very high yield potential and a strong performance record in research trials across a wide geography. The combination of excellent winter survival index and strong disease resistance gives this variety a leg up on stand persistence. Choose SW5615 for overall yield and forage quality.

Product Guide

Agronomics

Yield Level	10	Aphanomyces Root Rot (R2)	HR
Fall Dormancy	5	Phytophthora Root Rot	HR
Winter Survival	1	Potato Leaf Hopper	N/A
DRI	35/35	Stem Nematode	HR
Bacterial Wilt	HR	Pea Aphid	R
Fusarium Wilt	HR	Spotted Alfalfa Aphid	R
Verticillium Wilt	HR	Blue Aphid
Anthracnose (R1)	HR	Southern Root Knot Nematode
Aphanomyces Root Rot (R1)	HR	Salt Germination

Planting

Planting Time:
- Early Spring: After hard freezing conditions have ended
- Late Summer/Early Fall: Allow 4-6 weeks of growth before the first hard frost
Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs/acre
Ideal Seed Depth: ½”
- Alfalfa should be drilled into a firm seedbed or broadcasted and packed.

Fertility

Alfalfa requires 12 lbs of P₂O₅, 49 lbs of K₂O, and 5.4 lbs of S per ton of forage produced.
Make fertilizer applications based on expected yield and soil fertility levels.
If soil fertility levels are low, applying 25-30 lbs/acre of nitrogen at planting will help increase stand establishment.
Do not exceed a total of 10 lbs/acre of N+K if fertilizer is placed in-furrow at planting.

Weed Control

Plant into a clean, weed-free seedbed and consider using the herbicide options below for optimal weed control:

Timing	Herbicide	Rate	Notes	Weeds Controlled	Control Method
Preemergence (seeding)	Butyrac 200 (2,4-DB)	1-3 qts/a	Apply before weed heights exceed 3″. Minor crop injury may occur.	Broadleaves	Contact
	Pursuit (Imazethapyr)	3-6 oz/a	Apply when seedling alfalfa is in the second trifoliate stage or larger	Broadleaves	Contact
	Poast (Sethoxydim)	0.75-2.0 pts/a	Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height.	Grasses	Contact
	Select Max (Clethodim)	9-16 oz/a	Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height.	Grasses	Contact
	Broclean (Bromoxynil)	1.0-1.5 pts/a	Apply when alfalfa has a minimum of 4 fully developed trifoliates. Minor crop injury may occur.	Broadleaves	Contact
Postemergence (established)	Butyrac 200 (2,4-DB)	1-3 qts/a	Apply before weed heights exceed 3″. Minor crop injury may occur	Broadleaves	Contact
	Pursuit (Imazethapyr)	3-6 oz/a	Apply immediately after a cutting before excessive regrowth begins.	Broadleaves	Contact
	Poast (Sethoxydim)	0.75-2.0 pts/a	Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height.	Grasses	Contact
	Select Max (Clethodim)	9-16 oz/a	Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height.	Grasses	Contact

Disclaimer: All products and rates were provided by university-based sources and product labels. Always follow label instructions and consult your local chemical dealer and seed dealer before making any applications or planting the seed.

Management

Nurse Crops: Spring seeded alfalfa can be planted with a small grain nurse crop such as oats, barley, or spring triticale. Use 1/3 – ½ seeding rates of the nurse crop to avoid over competing with new alfalfa.
- Ex. 1 bushel of oats as a nurse crop vs. a full rate of 3 bushels.
Nurse crops have little benefit to late summer/early fall seedings and are not recommended.
Avoid pushing new alfalfa seedings too hard during the establishment year. 1-3 cuttings during the first year are acceptable, depending on growing conditions and regions.
Allow 3-4 weeks from the time of the last cutting until the average first frost date to allow alfalfa to regenerate reserves needed to survive winter and perform well the following year.