Robert Wright - Extension Entomologist

Robert Wright

faculty

Professor Entomology University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work Entomology Hall (ENTO) 213

Lincoln NE 68583-0816

Work 402-472-2128 On campus, dial 2-2128

rwright2@unl.edu

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Faculty Bio
Twitter: @BobWrightUNL

A guide to estimating soybean leaf defoliation damage

Soybean Defoliators August 1, 2018

Defoliation injury is being reported in soybeans and often can look worse than it is. This illustrated guide to assessing injury can help you get reliable scouting numbers on which to base sound treatment decisions.

Soybean plants showing wilting and necrosis — Figure 1. Soybean plants exhibiting signs of wilting (A) and necrosis (B) in fields in eastern Nebraska.

Orange Gall Midge in Soybeans August 1, 2018

Reports of orange gall midge in soybean increased in Nebraska this year and researchers have initiated in-field and laboratory studies to help learn more about its potential to reduce yield as well as best practices for its management.

Figure 1. Western bean cutworm moth (Photos by Julie Peterson)

Scouting and Treating Western Bean Cutworm July 11, 2018

Western bean cutworm egg masses have been reported on field corn in a number of locations across the state this week. Here's what to look for in the field, treatment thresholds and recommendations.

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.

European corn borer "shot-hole" damge to corn leaves

Scouting and Treatment of First Generation European Corn Borer June 12, 2018

While European corn borer numbers have greatly decreased regionally since the introduction of the first Bt corns, local populations may still cause damage on untraited corn such as popcorn or white corn or in field planted to non-BT corn to take advantage of lower seed costs. These fields should be scouted now.

Burrower Bugs in Soybeans June 12, 2018

White-margined Burrower Bug nymphs have been identified in high numbers in a soybean field near Beatrice. This pest is seen periodically in Nebraska in a variety of crops.

Differential grasshopper — Figure 1. The differential grasshopper, one of four grasshopper species in Nebraska that feed on crops. The others are the twostriped, redlegged, and migratory grasshoppers.

Grasshopper Control Most Effective Early Season June 12, 2018

Heavy populations of immature grasshoppers were found in field borders in south central Nebraska corn fields this week. Scout and if numbers warrant, treat now when they're small and concentrated in borders. See story for identification tips, treatment thresholds, and control recommendations.