Alfalfa varieties with moderate to good levels of resistance are available for control of Aphanomyces root rot. Anthracnose is a major cause of thinning of older alfalfa stands. Seedlings may be killed or crown and crown buds of older plants may be affected. Wilted and dead bleached stems are characteristic of the disease. Anthracnose is a warm, wet-weather disease.
Resistant varieties are available.
Anthracnose has long been recognized as a destructive disease of red clover in the southern areas. The use of resistant varieties of red clover controls this problem. Affected plants wilt and the cottony-white mold changes to hard black bodies on the crowns or lower stems. This disease is usually seen during the cooler periods of the year. Crop rotation, with two to three years away from alfalfa, aids in control.