June 26, 2020

Pest Management

Grasshoppers Return ― It’s Time to Scout Field Borders

Populations of immature grasshoppers are being reported in areas bordering crop fields in several parts of Nebraska. If these grasshopper species are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted if high numbers are present.

Japanese Beetles Emerging; Scout Corn and Soybean Fields

Japanese beetle adults are beginning to emerge in eastern Nebraska corn and soybeans, as well as landscape trees and shrubs. They will continue to emerge for the next few weeks. This story includes a guide for estimating total defoliation from multiple insects to determine need for treatment in soybean.

Figure 1. The wheat-mite-virus complex has extreme potential to impact yield the following year if high risk volunteer wheat situations are not managed well. (Photo by Gary Hein)

Why Control of Volunteer Wheat is Critical to Protecting Next Season's Yields

Volunteer wheat can provide the summer "green bridge" for the disease wheat streak mosaic and other virus diseases. This almost always occurs as a result of wheat seed shattered from heads during hail storms.

Fungicide Resistance and Management of Frogeye Leaf Spot of Soybean in Nebraska

The results from field trials suggest an integrated disease management approach including tillage (when practical), crop rotation, resistant varieties, seed treatment, and timely application of mixed-mode of action fungicides provides the best control.

Crop Damage

early season damaged soybeans showing regrowth

Resources for Early-Season Crop Damage

With crop damage occurring in the forms of hail, wind and flooding early in this growing season, the following are resources that can help you in making decisions.

Nebraska Extension & IANR

Youth Crop Scouting Competition - Connecting Youth with Crops

Nebraska Extension is pleased to present the 6th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Nebraska youth. Youth interested in crops have the opportunity to learn about crop growth & development and basic crop scouting principles.

Farm Management

insurance tools for forage production webinar graphic

July 2 Webinar: Insurance Tools for Managing Forage Production Risk

Forage production varies greatly from one season to the next depending upon weather. In the last 15 years, several new insurance tools have become available to Nebraska producers to help manage this risk. This webinar provides an overview of all that is available and examples of how they can be used to mitigate weather risk.

Crop Reports

N Field Observations for This Week

This week, Amy Timmerman talks about interseeding cover crops in corn, Megan Taylor scouts for western bean cutworm, Tamra Jackson-Ziems discusses bacterial leaf streak in corn, and Aaron Nygren highlights this year’s soybean research.

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 22-26)

Extension educators report on what they are seeing in the fields this week in the northern panhandle, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, Colfax, Dawson Buffalo and Hall counties.

Stripe and Leaf Rust Maps

If you do not see the latest map (June 26, 2020), please refresh the page in your browser. Visit the wheat disease management page for more information.