Justin McMechan
faculty
Work
1071 County Rd G
Ithaca
NE
68033-2234
US
Work
402-624-8041
On campus, dial 7-8041
Introduction to CropWatch Readers
Crop Infographics
Previous CW Contributions:
They're Back ... Time to Scout Field Borders for Grasshoppers
June 22, 2017
Populations of immature grasshoppers have been reported in areas bordering crop fields. If you're seeing one of the four species that harm cropland noted here, control may be warranted. Treatment is most effective when grasshoppers are small and still contained in field borders.
Suspected Wheat Stem Maggot Damage in Corn following Cover Crops
June 13, 2017
Ag professionals across central and eastern Nebraska are reporting insect damage to corn following rye and wheat cover crops, likely from the wheat stem maggot. A recent field survey found stand losses in fields ranged from 2%-30% on a whole-field basis.
When Weather Delays Planting – Now What?
May 26, 2017
Agronomists consider several options for those pushed into late planting due to heavy rains. Changing corn hybrids or soybean varieties is not recommended, nor is shifting to alternate crops.
Evaluating Early-Season Hail Damage in Corn
May 25, 2017
Factors to consider when assessing early-season hail damage in corn. Growers urged to wait 7-10 days after hail to make full assessment.
‘Cross-Banding’ on Corn Leaves Due to Pre-Emergent, Cold Soil Temperatures
May 12, 2017
Early-planted corn at the university's South Central Ag Lab was not emerged during the late-April cold snap, but upon emergence displayed symptoms of “cross-banding”: yellow to pale green, horizontal bands ― perpendicular to the leaf midribs. These often appear in a similar position on other seedlings and at about the same height above ground on different leaves.
Watch for Palmer Amaranth in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Fields
May 12, 2017
Palmer amaranth has not been confirmed in conservation plantings in Nebraska; however, the identification and occurrence of Palmer amaranth in CRP fields in Iowa has raised concerns among weed scientists and growers about its spread into conservation plantings in Nebraska and offer some suggestions for growers.
Do I Need to Replant My Corn?
May 5, 2017
Considering whether your corn should be replanted? The authors look at types of plant damage at early growth stages and the effect on potential yield. It includes a table of relative yield potential of corn by planting date and population.
Risk of Freeze Damage in Early-Planted, Emerged Corn
April 28, 2017
Early-season freeze damage results in a range of potential yield impacts. Severe damage is often limited to low-lying areas within a field because cool air is heavier than warm air. Early season survival of corn plants is attributed to growing-point protection below the soil surface; however, a hard frost can penetrate the ground and kill plants. Regrowth of corn following freeze damage is often impeded by dead leaf tissue that can entrap new leaves.