Insect Management

Western bean cutworm eggs (Photo by Jen Bruggeman)
Western bean cutworm eggs (Photo by Jen Bruggeman)

Introducing the 'Western Bean Cutworm Central' Webpage

March 8, 2019
This new webpage is designed to serve as a clearinghouse of information related to western bean cutworm biology, behavior, and management in both corn and dry bean agroecosystems.

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A cutworm moth captured in the field.

Bugeye Workshop: Cutworms & Kin

January 30, 2019
Growers concerned about the increase in cutworms in dry beans can learn about improved monitoring and management at a March 11 hands-on workshop in Scottsbluff.

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Each year more than 100 research trials are conducted at the South Central Agriculture Laboratory near Harvard. The Aug. 29 SCAL Field Day invites the public to view and learn about the most recent research from UNL and USDA scientists.
Figure 1. Each year more than 100 research trials are conducted at the South Central Agriculture Laboratory near Harvard. The Aug. 29 SCAL Field Day invites the public to view and learn about the most recent research from UNL and USDA scientists.

View Latest Crop and Pest Research at South Central Ag Lab Aug. 29

August 17, 2018
Tour field trials focused on irrigation and water management, soil fertility, entomology, weed science, cropping systems, and disease management at this year's South Central Ag Lab Field Day Aug. 29.

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Western bean cutworm moth
Figure 1. Western bean cutworm moth (Photos by Julie Peterson)

Scouting and Treating Western Bean Cutworm

July 11, 2018
Western bean cutworm egg masses have been reported on field corn in a number of locations across the state this week. Here's what to look for in the field, treatment thresholds and recommendations.

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Differential grasshopper
Figure 1. The differential grasshopper, one of four grasshopper species in Nebraska that feed on crops. The others are the twostriped, redlegged, and migratory grasshoppers.

Grasshopper Control Most Effective Early Season

June 12, 2018
Heavy populations of immature grasshoppers were found in field borders in south central Nebraska corn fields this week. Scout and if numbers warrant, treat now when they're small and concentrated in borders. See story for identification tips, treatment thresholds, and control recommendations.

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burrower bug nymphs

Burrower Bugs in Soybeans

June 12, 2018
White-margined burrower bugs will move to nearby crop plants to feed when their preferred host plants are terminated, but they typically don't cause economic damage to crops.

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European corn borer "shot-hole" damge to corn leaves

Scouting and Treatment of First Generation European Corn Borer

June 12, 2018
While European corn borer numbers have greatly decreased regionally since the introduction of the first Bt corns, local populations may still cause damage on untraited corn such as popcorn or white corn or in field planted to non-BT corn to take advantage of lower seed costs. These fields should be scouted now.

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Painted lady butterfly and caterpillar

Large Populations of Painted Lady Butterflies

January 8, 2018
In 2017 large populations of painted lady butterflies were seen across the state, raising concerns about whether the larvae form (thistle caterpillars) of this insect would cause damage to soybean fields. An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics.

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