Loren Giesler - Extension Plant Pathologist

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

Planting Soybean after Soybean (Part 1): Planting Considerations

April 13, 2017

Farmers are increasing their soybean plantings for 2017, which likely means some are shifting to soybeans-after-soybeans. This article looks at what you should be considering at planting time as you consider changing your cropping sequence.

Announcing the 7th Annual SCN ‘Tode Awards

February 17, 2017

And the winner is ... An analysis of SCN soil test results from 2016 leads to "awards" for sampling and detection. The Nebraska Soybean Board funds the free soil tests.

Nebraska map showing counties with SCN as of January 2017

SCN Now Confirmed in 58 Counties; How About Your Field?

February 16, 2017

Soybean cyst nematode is estimated to cause $40 million in lost soybean yields annually in Nebraska. Soil tests, available free through a program funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board, can help growers identify where this nemesis is a problem so they can manage that field accordingly.

Research in 4 North Central States Shows Limited Response with Fungicide in R3 Soybeans

February 3, 2017

In a multi-year summary of soybean studies with fungicide and insecticide applications in the north central United States, university researchers combined trial data to estimate overall profitability of foliar applications at the R3 growth stage (beginning pod development).

Figure 1. Foliar symptoms of SDS start as clorotic blotches between the veins (leaves in the background) and advance to necrotic areas with bright yellow margins. Veins remain green.

Sudden Death Syndrome Showing Up in Several Areas

August 26, 2016

Wet soil conditions earlier this year and heavy rains during flowering were favorable for early infection with Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). While there is no treatment at this time, correctly identifying any (and all) stem and root rots like SDS can help you plan for management in future years.

Frogeye Leaf Spot Starting to Show Up in Soybean

August 3, 2016

While the fungal disease frogeye leafspot (Cercospora sojina) is not common across Nebraska, it is becoming more widespread. Here's how to identify and manage it in soybeans.

Sclerotinia Stem Rot (White Mold) in Soybean: What to Look For

July 28, 2016

This article explores how to identify Sclerotinia stem rot (white mold) in soybean fields and differentiate it from other diseases which also may be occurring at this time.

Soybean roots with smaller soybean cyst nematode (SCN) cysts (red arrows) and larger nitrogen nodules (blue arrows).

SCN Scouting Recommendation Changes; SCN Resistance Possible

July 8, 2016

Mid-summer is an effective time to scout for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) using either the visual or soil test method. This story describes both methods. If SCN is identified, a follow-up soil test approximately six years later can help assess effectiveness of treatment efforts as well as identify SCN resistance.

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.