Importance of alfalfa as a source of predators for a pecan, cotton, alfalfa system

Alfalfa harbors an unusually large number of predators in New Mexico. While many believe alfalfa is an important source of predators for pest control in other crops, the impact of these predators has not been quantified. In 2009 and 2010 egg predation in cotton and pecan was evaluated with regard to the impact of nearby alfalfa. Predation in cotton was higher in the southwest side, reflecting prevailing winds. Distance from hay up to 200 feet did not affect predation levels. Ladybugs were the predominant predator early season and spiders late season. Predation in pecan orchards that bordered hay was higher than those that were bordered by rangeland.