If stem nematode is also a problem, choose a variety that has stem nematode resistance as well. Sanitation - Harvest young or healthy stands before older, infected stands, and cut hay when plants are dry. Practice crop rotation. Thoroughly clean forage harvesters when moving from infested to non-infested fields. Spring Black Stem Spring black stem.
Infected leaflets turn yellow and drop prematurely, reducing forage yield and quality.
Dark green to black stem lesions may enlarge until most of the lower stem turns black. Infection of flower stalks and pods causes blossom and pod drop, shriveled seed and reduced seed yields. The disease is favored by cool, moist weather and is therefore more damaging in the spring and fall. When black stem is prevalent, early cutting will reduce leaf loss. Rotate with non-legume crops.