Justin McMechan
faculty
- Assoc Professor Entomology University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Work
402-472-2312
On campus, dial 2-2312
QR Code for Justin McMechan
Introduction to CropWatch Readers
Crop Infographics
Previous CW Contributions:
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.
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.
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.
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 bugs will move to nearby crop plants to feed when their preferred host plants are terminated, but they typically don't cause economic damage to crops.
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.
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.
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.