This year, given the widespread pre-harvest hail in Nebraska wheat, it's crucial to take measures that will minimize the risk of occurrence of wheat streak mosaic in next year’s winter wheat crop.
With winter wheat harvest underway, producers should be mindful of managing weeds in wheat stubble, as timely control can save water in the soil profile and increase yields in subsequent crops.
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)
Volunteer wheat can provide the summer "green bridge" for the disease wheat streak mosaic and other virus diseases, as well as soil water loss that could translate into a substantial decrease in yields the following year.
Frogeye leaf spot — which will likely begin appearing in Nebraska soybeans within the next few weeks — can cause significant yield loss, but there are effective management options available.
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.
Irrigation Management
Figure 1. Early installation of sensors helps to minimize root and leaf damage and makes it easy to get around the field with the pickup or ATV to install the equipment.
While a recent study revealed that irrigators tend to overwater on wetter years, extension experts recommend data-driven decisions for optimizing yields, saving water and lowering cost of production.
Extension Meteorologist Eric Hunt shares a brief update on freeze and fire risks for Oct. 14-18. With severe drought and high winds, producers should remain vigilant during harvest activities this week.
Forage Production
Proper care and management of first-year alfalfa now could have big impacts on cuttings later this year.
Tips for identifying and managing poisonous plants in cattle and equine grazing pastures, and harvest guidelines for getting the most from first-year alfalfa.
Below freezing conditions and wind chill temperatures in the 10s, heat indices in the triple digits, a derecho, dust storms and heavy rainfall — May brought no shortage of extreme weather to Nebraska.
Extension Events
Attendees tour the wheat variety plots at the 2019 High Plains Ag Lab June field day. (CropWatch file photo)
As of June 12, the majority of corn and soybean crops had emerged, with conditions rating 88% fair to excellent for corn and 90% fair to excellent for soybean.
A variety of resources are available to help Nebraska producers affected by recent hail events with assessing damage, recovery and replant options, as well as crop insurance considerations.
