Beneficial Insects

Cannabis aphid on plant leaf

Arthropod Abundance in Industrial Hemp in West-central Nebraska

September 11, 2024
A diversity of both beneficial and potentially harmful insects has been found in industrial hemp grown in west-central Nebraska, and continued research will be crucial for producers in managing pests as hemp production expands in the state.

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Bee sitting on a purple flower
A bumblebee gathers pollen at a Rocky Mountain Bee plant in the southern Panhandle of Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

2024 Women in Ag Conference Scheduled for August

July 1, 2024
This year's conference will feature presentations by Nebraska Extension and NRCS on pollinators and other beneficial insects, specialty crops and backyard farming, and animal husbandry, plus discussions on mental health and wellness.

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Soybean aphids on leaf

Although at Low Levels, Soybean Aphids are in Nebraska

August 2, 2023
With soybean aphid infestations, it's important to preserve natural enemies under an integrated pest management approach, as well as treating only when pest populations reach economic or treatment thresholds, to let beneficial insects do their work.

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Soybean aphid

Soybean Aphid Scouting and Management

August 2, 2023
Soybean aphids in Nebraska typically reach the economic threshold and require treatment in late July through August. Treatment during this time is usually enough to keep aphid populations from resurging before they leave fields for the season. 

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Corn leaf aphids

Watch for Aphids in Corn

July 27, 2023
Aphids cause the greatest amount of injury while they are feeding within the whorl prior to tassel emergence. Treatment may be needed if pollination is no more than half complete and more than half of the corn tassels are covered with aphids.

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Alfalfa weevil larvae
Figure 1. Adult and small- to medium-sized larvae of the alfalfa weevil. (Photo by Julie Peterson)

Alfalfa Weevil Surging in Alfalfa Fields

May 8, 2024
Alfalfa weevil larvae have emerged in southeast, south-central and central Nebraska; scouting for this pest is crucial for alfalfa producers over the next few weeks.

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Aphid mummies on leaf
Figure 1. Aphid mummies in south central Nebraska alfalfa field. (Photo by Andrew Cantrell)

What is This Insect?

April 14, 2021
A very common sight in Nebraska, aphid mummies are a small but important insect for local crops. Find out what they are and why they matter. 

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March Course Focuses on Farming with Beneficial Insects for Pest Control

March 2, 2017

Learn a science-based strategy that seeks to integrate beneficial insects for natural pest control at a March 23 hosted by Nebraska Extension.

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