Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

Justin McMechan

(faculty)

Exten Asst Professor Eastern NE Research & Extension Center University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work

1071 County Rd G Ithaca NE 68033-2234

Work 402-624-8041 On-campus 7-8041

justin.mcmechan@unl.edu

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Faculty Bio
Introduction to CropWatch Readers
Crop Infographics
Previous CW Contributions:

Control Volunteer Winter Wheat and Other Weeds Now to Increase and Protect 2017 Yields, Income (2016)

Hail Damage in Corn (2016)

Video: Listen and Watch Corn Grow (2016)

Video: UNL 7-Day Time Lapse of Corn Recovery from Hail Damage (2016)

Insects in Cover Crops July 2, 2018

Integration of cover crops in cropping systems will alter pest and beneficial insect activity.

Western corn rootworm beetles feeding on a corn leaf — Figure 1. Damage to corn leaf caused by western corn rootworn. (Photo by Robert Wright)

Western Corn Rootworm Beetles Emerging, Time to Scout June 27, 2018

Corn rootworm beetles started emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska and scouting is recommended. An average of 5-10 beetles per ear usually can seriously affect pollination.

Figure 1. Japanese beetles will first feed on the leaves of soybean (left) or corn. In corn they'll move to the silks (right) when they become available. (Photos by Justin McMechan) — Figure 1. Japanese beetles will first feed on the leaves of soybean (left) and corn. In corn they'll move to the silks (right) when they become available. (Photos by Justin McMechan)

Scout Corn and Soybean for Japanese Beetles June 25, 2018

Japanese beetles are emerging in eastern Nebraska and will continue to emerge for the next couple of weeks. As numbers will be highest in field margins, growers are advised to scout across the whole field before determining the need for treatment.

Using Degree-Day Models to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights June 21, 2018

By using a degree-day model, growers can account for the effect of temperature on insect development and approximate when certain insect stages will occur. See predicted cutworm flights and recommended scouting periods for 14 Nebraska locations.

Mid-Season Hail Damage Assessments in Corn and Soybeans June 21, 2018

When severe storms and hail hit your corn and soybean fields, it's important to estimate yield losses to determine the need for future inputs and alternative management strategies. This guide offers steps to evaluate mid-season hail damage and estimate potential yield losses.

Chart showing estimated yields of various populations per planting date

Severe Storms and Hail-Damaged Crops: Steps for Making the Right Decisions June 14, 2018

After recent severe storms that rolled across parts of Nebraska, growers are encouraged to wait 7-10 days to fully assess crop damage and determine next management steps. Research-based estimated yields from replanting now are included.

Burrower Bugs in Soybeans June 12, 2018

White-margined Burrower Bug nymphs have been identified in high numbers in a soybean field near Beatrice. This pest is seen periodically in Nebraska in a variety of crops.

Large Populations of Painted Lady Butterflies June 11, 2018

In 2017 large populations of painted lady butterflies were seen across the state, raising concerns about whether the larvae form (thistle caterpillars) of this insect would cause damage to soybean fields.