Insect Management

western bean cutworm eggs and larvae

Scouting and Treatment Recommendations for Western Bean Cutworm

July 11, 2017
Scouting is urged for Western bean cutworm in corn as moth flights are active and particularly heavy in south central Nebraska this week. This article includes trapping reports and recommendations for scouting and treatment.

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Damage to corn leaf by western corn rootworm
Figure 1. Damage to corn leaf caused by western corn rootworn. (Photo by Robert Wright)

Time to Scout for Western Corn Rootworm Beetles

June 29, 2017
Western corn rootworm beetles began emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska this week. Before corn silks emerge, they're apt to feed by scraping the surface tissue, leaving a white parchment-like appearance.

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Mosquito on skin
Figure 1. Manage mosquitoes to protect your health.

Manage Standing Water to Reduce Mosquito Disease Threat

June 23, 2017
Managing the potential for mosquito breeding and populations on your farm can help protect you and your family from a number of diseases, including West Nile Virus. An entomologist offers information on mosquitoes and recommendations for reducing your risk.

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Insects Causing Problems for Alfalfa

June 22, 2017
If you’re seeing slow regrowth or weak alfalfa seedlings, it's time to get in the field and scout for the cause, most likely insects at this time of year. Nebraska growers have been reporting all kinds of insects causing problems.

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Corn damaged by wheat stem maggot

Suspected Wheat Stem Maggot Damage in Corn following Cover Crops

June 13, 2017
Ag professionals across central and eastern Nebraska are reporting insect damage to corn following rye and wheat cover crops, likely from the wheat stem maggot. A recent field survey found stand losses in fields ranged from 2%-30% on a whole-field basis.

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Insect light trap

Light Trap Data Provided for 3 Sites

June 12, 2017
UNL Extension Entomology is monitoring crop insect pests (primarily moths) using black light traps at the Haskell Ag Laboratory near Concord, the South Central Ag Laboratory near Clay Center, and the West Central Research and Extension Center near North Platte.

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alfalfa weevils

Scouting Advised for Alfalfa and Clover Leaf Weevils

April 20, 2017
Alfalfa weevils have been reported damaging alfalfa in north central Kansas and western Nebraska. As temperatures warm up, expect to see alfalfa weevil larvae in southern Nebraska and slightly later, in northern Nebraska. Even with the pressure of planting row crops, it is essential that producers growing high quality alfalfa hay make time to monitor fields for weevils now and over the next few weeks. See the article for a table of treatment thresholds for various alfalfa prices.

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NDA Regulatory, Inspection Efforts to Track Japanese Beetle

April 14, 2017
Each year, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture surveys for Japanese beetle, a highly destructive insect of trees and shrubs as well as corn and soybeans. Learn more about why Nebraska falls into a Category 2 classification for being a partially infested state and what that means for plant inspections and sales.

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