Introduction to CropWatch Readers
Crop Infographics
Previous CW Contributions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corn Rootworm Management Update
January 8, 2018
From the 2018 Crop Production Clinic Proceedings: Corn rootworm continues to be a problem for Nebraska growers who rotate crops infrequently. Additionally, resistance to insecticides and some Bt corn reduces efficacy of these important tools in some fields.
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.