May 22, 2020

Pest Management

2020 Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network

In 2019, an alert network was established to monitor soybean gall midge adult emergence using cages across 27 sites in four states. Growers and consultants can sign up to receive emergence information alerts to aid in the timing of insecticide applications.

Avoiding Injury from Seed Corn Maggot

We have received several reports of injury from seed corn maggot that has reduced stands of Nebraska soybeans. Learn why they may have been more problematic this year.

Begin Scouting for Common Stalk Borers in Corn

Understanding the common stalk borer life cycle and behavior is critical for selecting management practices to reduce damage in corn.

Cutworm Pheromone Trapping Network Update

Pheromone traps have been established at several locations in eastern Nebraska to monitor for several spring migrants to Nebraska; black cutworm, variegated cutworm and true armyworm moths. Find the latest report here.

Nebraska Invasive Weed: Musk Thistle

Musk thistle is a non-native biennial forb but can behave occasionally as an annual. It reproduces/spreads from seed and is a prolific seed producer.

Wheat Disease

Septoria tritici blotch in the lower canopy of wheat

Wheat Diseases Developing, Scout Fields for Early Detection

Reports from the wheat growing regions in Nebraska indicate low or no disease pressure in most growers’ fields. However, some fields are showing low to moderate levels of disease.

Wheat Disease Update – Barley Yellow Dwarf and Fungal Leaf Spots Increasing

A survey of wheat fields in southern west central Nebraska (Furnas and Harlan Counties) on May 19 found most fields to have little or no disease. Two fields had a high incidence of barley yellow dwarf.

Crop & Field Reports

wheat plants shown against a measuring tape

Extension Crop Reports (May 18-22)

Extension educators report on what they are seeing this week in York, Seward, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, Dawson, Buffalo and Hall counties.

N Field Observations for This Week

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, Soybean Planting Well Ahead of Last Year

Corn planted was 91%, as of Sunday, May 17, 2020, well ahead of 63% last year, and ahead of 78% for the five-year average. Emerged was 54%. Soybeans planted was 78%, well ahead of 34% last year and 42% average. Emerged was 29%, well ahead of 5% last year and 8% average.

Nutrient Management

Fertilizer-nitrogen Injury

Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient in corn. However, there is risk of crop injury with band application of fertilizer-N.

Extending the Manure Application Window: Post Plant Experiences

Extending the window for manure application offers many possible advantages. One can reduce some of the labor and equipment challenges associated with busy spring application windows as well as deliver nutrients to the crop more closely timed to the crop’s nutrient’s needs.

Farm Management

Business Powers of Attorney for Nebraska Farm and Ranch Business Owners

In the case where there is no well-structured legal documentation of who assumes business functions when a key manager is incapacitated —which would likely include many Nebraska farms and ranches — the business owner may seek to provide business operational continuity should they become unable to do so.

CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program Loans Update

The PPP program is a very helpful tool available to business during this difficult situation. It is important for those that applied to stay on top of rules and guidance that the SBA and Treasury provide.