Insect Management

Insects Causing Problems for Alfalfa

June 22, 2017
If you’re seeing slow regrowth or weak alfalfa seedlings, it's time to get in the field and scout for the cause, most likely insects at this time of year. Nebraska growers have been reporting all kinds of insects causing problems.

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Corn damaged by wheat stem maggot

Suspected Wheat Stem Maggot Damage in Corn following Cover Crops

June 13, 2017
Ag professionals across central and eastern Nebraska are reporting insect damage to corn following rye and wheat cover crops, likely from the wheat stem maggot. A recent field survey found stand losses in fields ranged from 2%-30% on a whole-field basis.

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Insect light trap

Light Trap Data Provided for 3 Sites

June 12, 2017
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.

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alfalfa weevils

Scouting Advised for Alfalfa and Clover Leaf Weevils

April 20, 2017
Alfalfa weevils have been reported damaging alfalfa in north central Kansas and western Nebraska. As temperatures warm up, expect to see alfalfa weevil larvae in southern Nebraska and slightly later, in northern Nebraska. Even with the pressure of planting row crops, it is essential that producers growing high quality alfalfa hay make time to monitor fields for weevils now and over the next few weeks. See the article for a table of treatment thresholds for various alfalfa prices.

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NDA Regulatory, Inspection Efforts to Track Japanese Beetle

April 14, 2017
Each year, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture surveys for Japanese beetle, a highly destructive insect of trees and shrubs as well as corn and soybeans. Learn more about why Nebraska falls into a Category 2 classification for being a partially infested state and what that means for plant inspections and sales.

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Nebraska map of Japanese beetle distribution

Japanese Beetles Migrating West

April 13, 2017

A newly released map of confirmed Japanese beetle populations in Nebraska shows their westward movement from where they were first identified near Lincoln and Omaha several years ago. 

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Emerging New Technologies for Insect Pest Management

March 31, 2017

Ravdeep Mutti, with the Du-Pont Pioneer Research and Development Center in Johnston, Iowa, will present the seminar, “Emerging New Technologies for Insect Pest Management” on Tuesday, April 4, at 4 p.m. in the Nebraska East Union. Refreshments will be served.

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western bean cutworm in corn
Figure 1. (left) Western bean cutworm causing feeding damage in corn. (Photo by Jim Kalisch and Silvana Paula-Moraes) (right) A green lacewing beneficial insect eating western bean cutworm eggs. (Photo by Julie Peterson)

Which Bt Traits Do You Need to Purchase?

March 24, 2017
When it comes to buying corn seed, one way to save money can be to ensure that you don't invest in GMO insect protection traits that you do not need for your particular farm or field. Which corn rootworm, western bean cutworm, or European corn borer traits do you need? This article can help you determine which of the nine types of Bt proteins might best serve your needs.

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