Robert Wright - Extension Entomologist

Robert Wright

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  • Emeritus Professor University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Work Entomology Hall (ENTO) 213
Lincoln NE 68583-0816
US
Work 402-472-2128 On campus, dial 2-2128

icon-academic-capEducation

  • BA, University of California, 1975
  • MS, University of Arizona, 1977
  • Ph D, North Carolina State University, 1981

icon-chat-userCourses

  • ENTO 888, MS Degree Project, Fall 2018

Faculty Bio
Twitter: @BobWrightUNL

western bean cutworm
western bean cutworm

Using Degree-Days to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights

June 24, 2016
Accumulated degree-days offer a proven means for estimating when to scout for insects, including the western bean cutworm. Here's how to estimate insect growth and recommended dates to start scouting for WBC at 14 Nebraska sites.

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First Generation European Corn Borer Scouting & Treatment

June 14, 2016
Growers are noting shot-hole feeding from European corn borer in non-Bt corn. Nebraska Extension offers several resources to monitor moth activity and determine when treatment is necessary.

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Map showing accumulated DD indicating scouting window for common stalk borer

Predicting Stalk Borer Development in Corn

June 13, 2016
Based on accumulated degree days, scouting should be underway across the state for common stalk borer in corn.

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Mature stalk borer larva in corn stalk
Mature stalk borer larva in corn stalk

Stalk Borer Scouting & Management in Corn

June 8, 2016

Common stalk borer eggs have hatched throughout Nebraska and scouting should begin when 1300-1400 degree days have accumulated (Figure 1). This is when larvae start moving into corn and other crops. Stalk borer growth is based on accumulated degree days since January 1, using a base of 41°F.

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Potato leafhopper
Potato leafhopper

Potato Leafhoppers Feeding in Alfalfa Earlier than Normal

May 25, 2016
Potato leafhoppers have been reported in alfalfa in southeastern and northeastern Nebraska. This is somewhat earlier than usual and growers should be alert to potential damage and protecting their alfalfa where numbers indicate treatment thresholds would be met.

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alfalfa weevil
Alfalfa weevils can cause serious yield loss in first cutting alfalfa

Scout for Alfalfa and Clover Leaf Weevils

May 5, 2016
Guide to identifying and managing alfalfa and clover leaf weevils in alfalfa. While research in northeast Nebraska has shown that clover leaf weevil larva feeding does not cause yield reduction to first cutting alfalfa, alfalfa weevil feeding can cause severe losses to yield and quality of the first cutting. This is why it's important to correctly identify the type of weevil feeding causing damage.

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Photo of wireworms
Wireworms

Scout Emerging Corn for Insects; Don't Assume Protection

April 27, 2016
As corn begins to emerge, be alert to the potential for damage from early season insects such as cutworms, wireworms, or white grubs. High risk factors and identification and treatment guides for these major early season insects are included.

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Photos of 3 wheat fields: with stripe rust, leaf rust, and healthy
(From left) Figure 1. A hot spot of stripe rust in a research plot at the ARDC near Mead on April 14. Figure 2. Leaf rust in a research plot at the ARDC near Mead on April 14. Figure 3. A healthy wheat field in Thayer County on April 13. (Figures 1-8 by Stephen Wegulo)

Stripe Rust & Aphids Confirmed in Nebraska Wheat

April 15, 2016
Wheat disease surveys on April 8 and April 12-14 found stripe rust and leaf rust at trace to low levels in south central and southeast Nebraska and in the Panhandle. Given the locations of outbreaks in Banner County this spring are the same as when the disease was identified in seedlings last fall, the two rusts may have overwintered. See more reports and management recommendations.

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