Bob Harveson - Extension Plant Pathologist, Panhandle Research and Extension Center

Figure 1. Complete and permanent collapse of sugarbeet petioles and leaves caused by Rhizoctonia Root and Crown Rot.
Figure 1. Complete and permanent collapse of sugarbeet petioles and leaves caused by Rhizoctonia Root and Crown Rot.

Exploring the Rhizoctonia Pathogens of Sugarbeet

February 16, 2018
This is the first article in a series on distinct sugarbeet root rot diseases caused by the genus Rhizoctonia.

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wilting sugar beet seedling
Figure 1. Wilting symptoms in seedling sugar beet caused by Rhizoctonia root and crown rot. Soil testing and using a disease index developed at the university's Panhandle Research and Extension Center can help identify high risk fields before planting. (Photos by Bob Harveson)

Creating a Soil Disease Index for Nebraska Sugar Beet

December 13, 2017
Soil testing and a disease index developed at the university's Panhandle Research and Extension Center can help growers identify rhizoctonia risk levels of fields before they're planted to sugar beets.

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Wheat field with stripe rust
Figure 1. Stripe rust in a grower's winter wheat field in Kimball County in June 2015. Taking steps now before planting can help reduce disease impact for your 2018 crop. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)

5 Pre-Planting Steps to Reduce Disease Problems in Wheat

August 28, 2017
Before planting winter wheat this fall growers have an opportunity to address and manage several factors that could lead to reduced yields in 2018. Here are five steps to take.

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Has Ergot Altered Events in World History?

August 17, 2017
One of the few plant diseases that can also cause direct damage to humans, ergot, particularly in rye grain, may have been a factor in several world events..

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Wheat stripe rust
Figure 1. Stripe rust was found this week in wheat fields in two Nebraska counties ― Sheridan and Box Butte ― and growers are urged to scout fields regularly.
stripe rust in wheat

Stripe Rust Identified in Panhandle Wheat

April 18, 2017
Minor levels of striped rust have been confirmed in winter wheat from a field in Sheridan County north of Rushville. The infections occurred on only a few leaves and pustules were very small and difficult to see. Growers are encouraged to continue scouting wheat for disease; a fungicide application is not recommended at this time.

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Topped sugar beets and storage sacks
Figure 1. Topped sugar beets are placed in bags and storage conditions are simulated to study the effect of post-harvest fungicide treatments.

Panhandle REC Studying Sugar Beet Storage Treatments

December 14, 2016
Four post-harvest sugar beet fungicide treatments are being evaluated as part of a new research study underway at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. The study, which is looking at whether fungicide treatments can improve winter storability of beets, is being conducted with support from Syngenta and Western Sugar Cooperative.

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wheat stripe rust in the Panhandle
wheat stripe rust in the Panhandle

Stripe Rust Reports in Wheat Lead to Winter Treatment Research

November 18, 2016
Reports of stripe rust in wheat continued throughout the Panhandle this week, particularly in Kimball and Banner counties. With additional sightings from central and southwest Nebraska, the disease appears to be widespread statewide this fall.

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