Herbicides are available for preplant incorporated and post-emergence applications for weed and grass control in alfalfa. Peterson recommends farmers apply herbicide if they anticipate they will have a serious weed problem. Treflan, Eptam and Balan are most effective for control of annual grasses and pigweeds. Post-emergence herbicides for alfalfa include Buctril, Butyrac 200, Poast Plus, Select and Pursuit. Buctril and Butyrac 200 will control broadleaf weeds, while Poast Plus and Select are labeled for grass control.
Pursuit can control both broadleaf and grass weeds in alfalfa.
Brand names appearing in this article are used for product identification only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism of similar products not mentioned. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.