Loren Giesler - Extension Plant Pathologist

Loren Giesler

Dr. Loren Giesler became head of the Department of Plant Pathology Sept. 1, 2018, and is no longer conducting Extension programs in soybean pathology.

Twitter: @MulletManLG
Education
PH.D., University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1998

Dr. Giesler provides statewide leadership for extension plant pathology programs in soybeans and turfgrass diseases. He is the team leader for the Extension Plant Pathology Team which is a Nebraska group of extension Plant Pathologist responsible for disease management programs throughout Nebraska.  His main program focus is in soybeans and has included research projects on Bean Pod Mottle Virus, Soybean Cyst Nematode, Foliar Diseases and seedling diseases including Phytophthora root and stem rot.  He conducts disease management studies on soybean to evaluate the efficacy of soybean seed treatment fungicides and foliar products.  He served as a national leader for identification of soybean rust, coordinator for national soybean rust sentinel monitoring efforts from 2003 through 2012, and toured South America rust fungicide efficacy trials in 2004 and 2005. Dr. Giesler is currently working on several studies on soybean cyst nematode to improve management programs for this significant pest of soybean.  Through continued support of the Nebraska Soybean Board, a free soil sampling program for SCN is operated in his program that provides soybean farmers a way to determine if SCN is present in their fields.

Disclosure
Treated soybean seed

Q&A: When Does Soybean Seed Treatment Pay?

November 8, 2018
A farmer who is ordering soybean seed this fall asks "At $20 per unit, when does soybean seed treatment pay?" Here's what to consider when deciding whether to order fungicide and insecticide treatments for your soybean seed this year.

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Loren Giesler, new Head of the UNL Department of Plant Pathology

Loren Giesler Named Head of Plant Pathology Department

July 23, 2018
Loren Giesler has been named head of the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, effective Sept. 1, 2018. A long-time contributor to CropWatch, Giesler is a professor and extension plant pathologist in the department.

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Frogeye leafspot on a soybean leaf

Frogeye Leaf Spot Showing Up in Soybean

July 18, 2018
With much of the state's soybean crop soon entering pod stages, it's time to scout for frogeye leaf spot. This guide and video address scouting and management.

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standing water
Figure 1. The degree of damage from standing water in this field will depend on several factors and likely will lead to direct yield losses or indirect losses from increased disease pressure.

Flooding and Ponding in Soybeans

June 22, 2018
Soybean plants are generally able to withstand a fair amount of flooding in the short term; however, diseases favored by wet conditions may become a problem for the rest of the season. Research shows the length of time the soil is wet and the type of soil will affect plant injury and survival.

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Chart showing estimated yields of various populations per planting date

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.

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Fungicides are for Fungi

January 8, 2018
Symptoms of bacterial diseases can be easily confused with those of fungal diseases in field crops. This article, from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics, reviews some of the common mistakes made in the major field crops and reviews research on the impact of fungicide use after hail events in corn and soybean.

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Soybean Disease Update

January 8, 2018
Information on four early season soybean seedling diseases, including occurrence, symptoms, and management. An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics.

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Frogeye leaf spot
Frogeye leaf spot

Frogeye Leaf Spot Resistance Increasing in Soybean

February 21, 2018
While not close to Nebraska yet, fungicide-resistant frogeye leaf spot has been confirmed in eastern Iowa. Ward off problems here by implementing integrated management practices.

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Disclosure

Dr. Giesler has disclosed a significant financial interest in membership and management of Field Screen, LLC. Field Screen, LLC has received compensation in the last 12 months for pesticide testing from the following companies: BASF, Bayer Crop Science, Syngenta Crop Protection, Arysta Life Sciences, Valent U.S.A. Corporation and FMC Corporation. In accordance with its Conflict of Interest policy, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Conflict of Interest Review Committee has determined that this must be disclosed.

Field Screen, LLC is a company that specializes in disease efficacy testing for developmental fungicides in southeastern Missouri under extremely conducive environmental conditions for disease development. This outside activity provides Dr. Giesler with additional insight into agricultural chemical development and improves his ability to assist farmers and commercial agricultural clientele with their management decisions. Outside business activity is encouraged at the University of Nebraska as a way to improve faculty insight and promote economic development.