Crop Disease

Closeup of black spots on corn leaf
Figure 1. Tar spot black stromata develop on the upper leaf first then become visible underneath too. Over time, the spots increase in size and elongate. (Photos by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)

Corn Diseases Developing in Some Fields — What To Watch

July 12, 2024
Tar spot has been confirmed in several eastern Nebraska counties in recent weeks, and distribution of the fungus is expected to continue expansion this year.

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Soybean gall midge larvae on plant stem

Insect Pest and Plant Diseases in Soybean: A Nebraska Soybean Board-funded Project

July 10, 2024
In a new study, UNL researchers are using unconventional treatments on soybean insects and diseases to investigate the relationships between certain pests and how their interactions impact crop yield.

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Alfalfa windrow being collected by harvester
To minimize nutrient loss from rain events during alfalfa harvest, spread windrows as wide as possible and condition at harvest, which can reduce dry down from two days to half a day.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Alfalfa Disease, Harvesting During Wet Summers and Weevil Feeding on Regrowth

June 25, 2024
Recommendations for alfalfa producers on managing windrow disease, navigating rain issues during harvest, and estimating alfalfa weevil thresholds when regrowth feeding has been observed.

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People standing in wheat field
Figure 1. A wheat field day at the High Plains Ag Lab in Cheyenne County on June 13.

Wheat Disease Update for June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024
As of this week, stripe rust has been observed in all wheat-growing regions of Nebraska. Leaf rust has expanded range as well but is not expected to significantly impact yield.

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Diseased soybean plant in field

Diverse Seedling Diseases Present in Nebraska Soybeans

June 6, 2024
Identifying some of the common soybean diseases in Nebraska can be difficult, as they often share similar features. Here, Extension Specialist Dylan Mangel outlines characteristics and management options for each seedling disease. 

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Green wheat field in Nebraska
Figure 1. A grower’s wheat field in Webster County on May 28.

Wheat Disease Update for May 30, 2024

May 30, 2024
Severe infections of stripe rust were observed this week in Nebraska wheat fields, and leaf rust was identified for the first time this season.

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Green wheat field in Nebraska
Figure 1. Research plots at Havelock Research Farm in Lincoln, Lancaster County on May 23. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Wheat Disease Update for May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024
Stripe rust observations and severity have increased in Nebraska, and Fusarium head blight was detected at trace levels.

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Yellowed wheat field from wheat streak mosaic disease complex

Wheat Disease Update for May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024
The prevalence of stripe rust has significantly increased in Nebraska, with infections identified in 15 southern counties so far.

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