With growing reports of spider mites damaging corn and soybeans in Nebraska, it's important to check leaves closely, as many other crop issues can cause similar discoloration.
Figure 1. Twospotted spider mites. Almost microscopic in size, the spider mites may be imperceptible on a leaf, but become more visible against its silk-like webs. (Photos by Jim Kalisch)
Recommendations for managing spider mites in corn and soybean, including treatment thresholds and insecticides, as well as discussions on the potential impact of beneficial insects, diseases and insecticide applications.
WSS damage in winter wheat was first noted in Nebraska in the early to mid-1990s in Banner County near the Wyoming border. It has continued to increase ever since and now is a very significant issue.
Young lesions of the pathogen forming on sugar beet leaves.
On July 13, symptoms characteristic of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) were found on lower leaves of sugarbeets from research plots at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Scottsbluff.
Last year in another state, 14 horses died and another 100 were sickened from hay that contained blister beetles. Usually Blister beetles are not a problem, but growers should be aware of the insect and what to scout for in their fields.
Crop Production
2019 Harlan County Wheat Plot Tour. Photo courtesy of Dawn Hetrick, Harlan County Extension Office.
Variety selection is one of the most important decisions a winter wheat grower has to make. The right or wrong decision can enhance or negate all other factors in profitable wheat farming.
Figure 1. Cattle grazing cereal rye cover crop near Tecumseh. Often grazing poses less of a nitrate toxicity risk than haying and feeding. (Photo by Mary Drewnoski)
Nitrate toxicity can be a concern when planting cover crops for forage in hail-damaged crop fields. With proper management of haying and grazing, the risk can be reduced.
Extension Events
Figure 1. Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth infesting a corn field in south central Nebraska. (Archive photo by Amit Jhala)
The 2020 in-person Weed Management Field Days were not possible due to Covid-19. However, information about projects for this year's growing season were recorded for Virtual Field Days and are available online.
During a research plot tour at the 2019 Panhandle Agricultural Research and Technology Tour (PARTT), Integrated Weed Management Specialist Nevin Lawrence speaks in front of a weed control plot.
The University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center will partner with the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association on August 20 to host the annual Panhandle Agricultural Research and Technology Tour (PARTT). The in-person event will be conducted with social distancing and other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When owning or working on a farm or a ranch, you wear many hats. You are an agronomist, a mechanic, a truck driver, a marketer and a family mediator. But what about when you need professional advice and guidance?
This week, Extension educators preview the upcoming 2021 Cover Crops and Soil Health Conference and offer tips on how to get prepared for chemigation training sessions beginning this month in Nebraska.
Corn is progressing near the five-year average with 61% silking, while soybean is progressing ahead of average with 75% blooming and 31% setting pods. Both crops declined slightly in condition since last week according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The winter wheat harvest is progressing ahead of average at 79% complete.
