Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

Justin McMechan

faculty

Asst Professor Entomology University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work Entomology Hall (ENTO) 105B

Lincoln NE 68583-0816

Work 402-472-2312 On campus, dial 2-2312

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)

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.

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.

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.

Hail damaged corn — Corn around V10-11 with leaves stripped due to hail damage. In this case, much of the corn will recover and look better in 10-14 days. Watch stalk bruising to see if stalk rot sets in. There are fields with hail damage at lower stalks with weakened plants that easily break. Soybeans at R1 (beginning flowering) reduced to sticks north of Stromsburg and in Hordville area. Soybeans with damage like this at the R1 stage can have the greatest yield loss in spite of seeing new buds regrowing with the warm weather. Another concern will be weed control going forward. (Photos by Jenny Rees)

Mid-Season Hail Damage Assessments in Corn and Soybeans

June 25, 2021

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.