Cutworm Scouting Urged in Western Nebraska Wheat and Alfalfa
March 23, 2017
Army cutworms are beginning to show up from central Kansas to Chappell. As wheat breaks dormancy, scouting for cutworms is advised from now through April to determine whether treatment is warranted.
Figure 1. Severe symptoms of wheat streak mosaic in volunteer wheat in sunflower stubble in Deuel County in November 2016. Such a field significantly increases the risk of infection of wheat in nearby fields. (Photo by Gary Hein)
Growers Urged to Keep a Watchful Eye for Wheat Viruses This Spring
January 25, 2017
While the mild fall promoted wheat establishment, it also favored survival of wheat curl mites, the leading vector of several viruses common to Nebraska wheat. While much of the state's wheat crop entered winter in very good condition, growers are urged to scout for viruses this spring and assess yield potential of individual fields when making management decisions.
Wheat Insects in 2016
September 1, 2016
The wheat stem sawfly continues to be the predominant insect in wheat and has now been verified in all Nebraska Panhandle counties as well as counties in southwest and south central Nebraska.
Be on the Lookout for Sugarcane Aphids on Sorghum
July 29, 2016
Nebraska grain sorghum producers are being advised to be on the lookout for sugarcane aphids. While this pest hasn't been a problem in Nebraska previously, it is in Kansas and moving north. The sugarcane aphid is light yellow to gray in color, with dark cornicles (“tail-pipes”) at the end of the body and dark tarsi (feet). Adult aphids can be winged or wingless.
Begin Scouting for Western Bean Cutworm Eggs in Corn
July 8, 2016
The first western bean cutworm moths were captured in University of Nebraska-Lincoln black light traps June 23 at Clay Center, June 27 at North Platte, and June 30 at Scottsbluff. Flights are currently increasing, particularly in North Platte. Scouting should be underway across much of the state.
Using Degree-Days to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights
June 24, 2016
Accumulated degree-days offer a proven means for estimating when to scout for insects, including the western bean cutworm. Here's how to estimate insect growth and recommended dates to start scouting for WBC at 14 Nebraska sites.
Control Volunteer Winter Wheat and Other Weeds Now to Increase and Protect 2017 Yields, Income
June 23, 2016
By far, the greatest risk of losses from mite-vectored viruses occurs when there is a summer "green bridge" of volunteer wheat emerging before harvest. This almost always occurs as a result of wheat seed head shatter from hail storms (Figure 1).