Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

Soybean gall midge infestation map

Soybean Gall Midge Identified in Eight Additional Nebraska Counties

September 1, 2021
Soybean gall midge (SGM) injury and pressure varied considerably across its geographic range, with the largest concentration of injured soybean fields occurring in east-central Nebraska this season. To date, a total of 140 Midwestern counties have been identified as infested with SGM.

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Soybean gall midge-injured field

Soybean Gall Midge Emergence at Several Sites in Nebraska

June 10, 2021
On June 8 and 9, several sites in east-central and northeast Nebraska recorded emergence of soybean gall midge adults. Growers should consider making field edge applications now.

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Seed corn maggots
Figure 1. Seed corn maggots. (Photo by Jim Kalisch)

Avoiding Injury from Seed Corn Maggot

April 7, 2021
For producers concerned about seed corn maggot, these recommendations could help reduce injury in soybean fields this year. 

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Soybean gall midge-injured field

Soybean Gall Midge Updates and Tools for 2021

March 17, 2021
A new webinar series aims to help growers with identification, biology and current management strategies for soybean gall midge as it continues to spread across the Midwest.

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Overwintering sawfly larva
The recent temperature extremes will not provide adequate control of pests such as this overwintering sawfly larva.

How Have the Cold February Temperatures Affected Insect Overwintering in Nebraska?

February 26, 2021
Extension specialists detail what effect February's bitter temperatures and snow cover may have on overwintering insects in Nebraska.

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soybean gall midge adult

First Emergence of Soybean Gall Midge in Cass County, Nebraska

June 11, 2020
On June 10th, 2020 three soybean gall midge adults were collected south of Louisville, Nebraska. This was the only site in the network with soybean gall midge adult activity.

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soybean gall midge larva

2020 Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network

May 20, 2020
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.

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barbel ear and short husk deformations in corn

Planting Date Impact on Corn Growth and Ear Issues

May 14, 2020
Despite the above-average yields in recent years, there has been reports of ear formation issues in corn that ranged from sites in the Texas Panhandle, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Does planting date play a role?

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