Robert Wright - Extension Entomologist

Robert Wright

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Emeritus 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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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

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.

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.

Burrower Bugs in Soybeans

June 12, 2018

White-margined burrower bugs will move to nearby crop plants to feed when their preferred host plants are terminated, but they typically don't cause economic damage to crops.

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.

Large Populations of Painted Lady Butterflies

January 8, 2018

In 2017 large populations of painted lady butterflies were seen across the state, raising concerns about whether the larvae form (thistle caterpillars) of this insect would cause damage to soybean fields. An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics.

Insect Light Trap Data Available for 3 Sites

June 6, 2018

UNL Extension Entomology is monitoring crop insect pests (primarily moths) using black light traps at the Haskell Ag Laboratory near Concord, the South Central Ag Laboratory near Clay Center, and the West Central Research and Extension Center near North Platte.

Scout Emerging Corn for Insects; Don't Take Protection for Granted

May 16, 2018

As corn begins to emerge, be alert to the potential for damage from early season insects such as cutworms, wireworms, white grubs or wheat stem maggot. Seed treatments provide some protection, but can be overwhelmed in some circumstances, allowing losses.

Figure 1. Alfalfa weevil larvae and adults collected in a single 12-sweep sample in Goshen County, Wyoming by Dan Keener on May 11, 2018. Note that both large larvae and adults are present.

Scout Diligently for Alfalfa Weevils in May And June

May 16, 2018

High populations of alfalfa weevils have been found in alfalfa throughout the Nebraska Panhandle; lower populations were reported this week in central and eastern Nebraska. The economics would warrant continued scouting through June to provide for timely treatment, if necessary, and yield protection.