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.
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.
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.
After recent severe storms that rolled across parts of Nebraska, growers are encouraged to wait 7-10 days to fully assess crop damage and determine next management steps. Research-based estimated yields from replanting now are included.
The Hail Know website offers timely information to help farmers respond when hail strikes their crops.
Hail strikes Nebraska crops each year, creating uncertainty and questions for farmers: “Does the level of damage warrant replanting or will the remaining stand yield better than a replant would? How should I adjust inputs for the remaining season? Would a cover crop be cost effective?”
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.
Wheat Production
Figure 1. Attendees view wheat varieties and listen to UNL Small Grains Breeder Stephen Baenziger and Nebraska Extension Educator Nathan Mueller during a wheat plot tour at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREC) near Mead June 12. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)
Recent rains have created favorable conditions for disease development in wheat. If irrigating, manage applications to reduce further development and spread of diseases.
Seeding year alfalfa is just getting its "field legs" and needs to be managed differently than established alfalfa. Stems are spindly, roots are small and growth is slower. Following these harvest guidelines can help assure multiple harvests and a strong first season.
Weed Management
Photo 1. Dalmatian toadflax. (Photos by Gary Stone)
Dalmatian toadflax is a perennial herb that spreads quickly in disturbed pastures and rangelands. Prevention is the best and cheapest management option; once established, mechanical, biological and chemical measures may help achieve control.
As Excel workbooks get more complex, it often becomes necessary to review different parts of a spreadsheet or different spreadsheets in the workbook at the same time. Using multiple windows can be a real time saver, helping users be more effective.
Crop Reports, Market Journal & Extension Events
Figure 1. Cody Creech, Nebraska Extension dryland cropping systems specialist, discusses wheat research at the 2017 High Plains Ag Lab Field Day.The High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney will be hosting field tours of dryland wheat, field pea, and forage research plots on June 21.
The High Plains Ag Lab Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, June 21, will highlight UNL research on dryland crops, especially field pea and winter wheat, as well as grazing and forages. View field trials and hear reports from researchers.
This week's USDA NASS Nebraska Crop Condition Report rated corn as 86% good to excellent and soybean, 87%. Progress for both crops was similar to or ahead of 2017 and the average. Winter wheat condition was 68% good to excellent.
Nebraska's 2018 winter wheat crop is forecast at 44.6 million bushels, down 5% from last year's crop. Average yield is forecast at 45 bushels per acre, down 1 bushel from last year.
