Insect Management

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Considering Non-Bt Traited Corn in 2017? Plan for More Scouting

February 8, 2017

If you're considering planting non-Bt corn this year, entomologists urge you to plan for the additional pest management practices (and associated costs) you may need to adopt, given this decision.

Nebraska Extension Pest of the Month: Japanese Beetle

February 1, 2017

Insects are a part of our environment. Most are beneficial, not problematic. In fact, only a small percentage — less than one percent of all insects — are considered pests. However, some pests can be very problematic because they are invasive insects that came here from another country and they came here without their natural predators.

Western Bean Cutworm: Pest Status & IPM Options

January 6, 2017

A USDA-NIFA Outreach Webcast
hosted by the Plant Management Network

(34 min 48 sec)

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