Pest Management

Ana Vélez looks through container of insects to camera in lab — Ana Vélez, associate professor of entomology, directs multiple projects in her lab, researching new genetic tools to help combat the western corn rootworm, one of the world's most devastating crop pests. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Vélez is a Leader in Genetic Technology to Contain Corn Rootworm

May 2, 2024

Husker scientist Ana Maria Vélez is pioneering a genetic technology that increases larvae mortality to suppress western corn rootworm, which annually causes up to $2 billion in yield loss and control costs in the Corn Belt.

Men and women stand around tables looking at container plants — Attendees of the 2023 crop scout training course examine plants during one of the hands-on activities. (Nebraska Extension photo)

Nebraska Extension Offers Introductory-level Crop Scout Training May 21

May 1, 2024

The 2024 training course will review a wide variety of crop scouting concerns, such as drone scouting best practices, identifying nutrient deficiencies and insect damage in corn and soybean, and detecting weed seedlings.

Army cutworm eating wheat — Army cutworm larva chewing on a blade of wheat. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fertilizing Cool-season Pasture, Army Cutworm Control

April 29, 2024

Extension educators review timelines for turnout to summer pastures, calculating returns on fertilizing cool-season pastures, and tips for scouting army cutworm in alfalfa fields.

Alfalfa field irrigated by center pivot — Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Early Season Irrigation, Controlling Alfalfa Weevil

April 23, 2024

This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower seasonal water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to mitigate early pasture weeds.

This Week on N Field: Army Cutworm

April 19, 2024

Now is the time to scout for army cutworm in wheat and alfalfa. Learn more about identifying army cutworm damage to crops in this new N Field Observations.

Aerial shot of combine in soybean field — A combine harvests soybean near Friend, Nebraska. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Management Technique Shows Promise Against Emerging Soybean Pest

March 29, 2024

Entomologists at the University of Nebraska are experimenting with the production technique of hilling to control soybean gall midge populations in the Midwest.

Army Cutworm Scouting Urged in Western Nebraska Wheat and Alfalfa

March 6, 2024

With recent warm weather, army cutworms have been spotted in southern Sioux County and central Lincoln County. Producers should begin scouting for this pest to mitigate crop damage, particularly in winter wheat and alfalfa.

Cattle in snow — While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Insect Mortality and Livestock Water Needs

January 16, 2024

Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can adequately be used as a water source for cattle.

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