Initial symptoms include stunting, swelling of the stem tissue, and shortened internodes. Some affected shoots appear white with very little stunting. White flagging and stand loss usually are the first symptoms readily recognized. Rotation with nonhost Crops, such as small grains, dry beans or corn, usually reduces the nematode population below detection levels. However, recontamination by machinery, animals and irrigation water can quickly lead to reinfestation of a field.
Genetic resistance is available in some commercial alfalfa varieties.
Colorado Weed Management Guide . 564A. High Plains Integrated Pest Management Guide for Colorado, Western Nebraska and Wyoming . 0.703, Alfalfa Production . 5.500, Alfalfa Weevil . 5.524, Blister Beetles in Forage Crops .