Stephen Wegulo - Extension Plant Pathologist

Faculty Bio
Website: Wheat Disease section of CropWatch Plant Disease Management
Twitter: @wegulo2

Wheat field April 27, 2017 — Figure 1. A section of a wheat field showing lush green growth at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ARDC) near Mead on April 27.

Stripe Rust Confirmed in Wheat in South Central and Southeast Nebraska; Other Diseases Increasing April 28, 2017

Wheat fields are still looking green (Figure 1). However, development of several diseases is increasing. On April 26, stripe rust was confirmed in Nuckolls County in south central Nebraska and on April 27, it was found at low to moderate levels in research plots at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Havelock Research Farm near Lincoln in Lancaster County (Figure 2).

Field of wheat near McCook April 27, 2017. — A good, thick stand of wheat, such as this one near McCook provides a warmer microclimate near the soil surface that reduces the potential for freeze injury. (Photos by Robert Klein)

Assessing Freeze Injury to Wheat April 27, 2017

As temperatures dropped below 28° F at a number of sites this week, the authors address how to assess whether freeze damage has occurred.

Wheat stripe rust — Figure 1. Stripe rust was found this week in wheat fields in two Nebraska counties ― Sheridan and Box Butte ― and growers are urged to scout fields regularly.

Wheat Disease Update: Stripe Rust Confirmed in Nebraska; Wheat Streak Mosaic Found April 21, 2017

Healthy wheat field in early April — Figure 1: A wheat research field at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Havelock Farm in Lancaster County on April 6

Wheat Disease Update April 7, 2017

Winter wheat growth in Nebraska is progressing at a steady pace, with most fields now green with little or on disease; however, growers are urged to continue scouting their wheat for early signs of disease as current and forecasted wet weather this spring is likely to lead to severe disease outbreaks.

Winter wheat in early spring in southern Nebraska — Figure 1. A grower’s wheat field in Saline County on March 22. Winter wheat is greening up across Nebraska and growers are urged tos scout for disease, given the forecasts for a wet spring. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Start Scouting for Wheat Diseases March 24, 2017

The wheat-growing season is off to an early start due to a mild winter. Wheat fields are looking green from a distance (Figure 1), but closer examination reveals freeze damage in some fields caused by periods of subfreezing temperatures that occurred after growth had resumed (Figures 2 and 3).

Severe wheat streak mosaic virus in sunflower stubble — Figure 1. Severe symptoms of wheat streak mosaic in volunteer wheat in sunflower stubble in Deuel County in November 2016. Such a field significantly increases the risk of infection of wheat in nearby fields. (Photo by Gary Hein)

Growers Urged to Keep a Watchful Eye for Wheat Viruses This Spring January 25, 2017

While the mild fall promoted wheat establishment, it also favored survival of wheat curl mites, the leading vector of several viruses common to Nebraska wheat. While much of the state's wheat crop entered winter in very good condition, growers are urged to scout for viruses this spring and assess yield potential of individual fields when making management decisions.

A number of diseases were reported in wheat this fall, indicating the potential for increased diseases next spring. The author outlines a comprehensive strategy to tackle the challenge, starting this winter.

Wheat Disease Management Tips for 2017 December 9, 2016

A number of diseases were reported in Nebraska wheat this fall. In this article plant pathologist Stephen Wegulo outlines how to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle this yield challenge, starting with steps growers can take this winter.

Stripe, Stem, and Leaf Rust in Fall-Planted Wheat November 11, 2016

Stripe rust, leaf rust, and stem rust have been identified in fall planted wheat in Nebraska, extending into areas where it had previously not developed in the fall. Plant Pathologist Stephen Wegulo looks at the outbreak, conditions contributing to rust development this fall, and the economic and management issues.