Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

Justin McMechan

faculty

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

Work

1071 County Rd G Ithaca NE 68033-2234

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

justin.mcmechan@unl.edu

vCard QR Code

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)

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.

Scout Emerging Corn for Insects; Don't Take Protection for Granted May 16, 2018

As corn begins to emerge, be alert to the potential for damage from early season insects such as cutworms, wireworms, white grubs or wheat stem maggot. Seed treatments provide some protection, but can be overwhelmed in some circumstances, allowing losses.

Figure 1. Seasonal ecology of wheat stem maggot (Allen 1933) overlaid on 2017 field issues. Arrows indicate likely source of infestation started with adult movement in the spring.

Wheat Stem Maggot Adult Monitoring: A Pest of Cover Crop-to-Corn Transitions April 25, 2018

This article looks at wheat stem maggots in cover crops-to-corn transitions, including their biology, risk for damage to early season corn, and what to look for this spring.

Cover crop field with mixed-species plantings — Later season field of cover crops in southeastern Nebraska. (Photo by Paul Jasa)

Timing of Cover Crop Termination and Related Factors April 20, 2018

Should the cold spring delay cover crop termination? Growers walk a fine line between growing cover crops long enough to get the biomass they want without reducing yield in the following grain crop. This discussion from an agronomist, entomologist and weed scientist looks at various factors to consider.

Figure 1. Rye cover crop planted in small sections of field for erosion control. Center photo shows a section of ground where cover crop did not establish with normally developing plants. Damaged corn plants were primarily restricted to areas where cover crop was present.

Wheat Stem Maggot in Corn: Plan on Scouting Your Cover Crop Fields This Spring March 8, 2018

Wheat stem maggots were an issue for some eastern and southern Nebraska farmers planting corn directly into a growing cover crop, leading to questions about how to best manage this scenario in 2018. Learn why entomologists don't recommend adding an insecticide to the herbicide when terminating the cover crop.

Large Populations of Painted Lady Butterflies January 8, 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. An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics.

Insects in Cover Crops January 8, 2018

An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics on how integration of cover crops in cropping systems will alter pest and beneficial insect activity.

Map of Japanese beetle distribution in Nebraska in 2016 — Figure 1. Japanese beetle distribution in Nebraska in 2016.

Japanese Beetle in Corn and Soybeans January 8, 2018

An article from the 2018 Crop Production Clinic Proceedings on distribution, scouting and damage from Japanese beetles in Nebraska corn and soybean.