Pest of the Month

adult black blister beetle

Blister Beetle in Alfalfa

July 20, 2020
Last year in another state, 14 horses died and another 100 were sickened from hay that contained blister beetles. Usually Blister beetles are not a problem, but growers should be aware of the insect and what to scout for in their fields.

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Dalmation Toadflax
Photo 1. Dalmatian toadflax. (Photos by Gary Stone)

Dalmation Toadflax: Prevention Key to Management

June 13, 2018
Dalmatian toadflax is a perennial herb that spreads quickly in disturbed pastures and rangelands. Prevention is the best and cheapest management option; once established, mechanical, biological and chemical measures may help achieve control.

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Sunflower Rust
Figure 1. Cinnamon-colored uredial pustules (left) and dark, black telial pustules (right). These are the overwintering structures of rust. (Photos by Bob Harveson)

Sunflower Rust May be Problematic in 2018 — Be Aware!

May 24, 2018
Unusually early findings of rust in volunteer sunflower in western Nebraska indicate the potential for a major outbreak much earlier than usual. Growers are encouraged to scout within the first few weeks of emergence and treat where necessary.

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Violet root rot, a rhizoctonia crocorum fungus, in soil

The First Identified Root Pathogen: Rhizoctonia

April 12, 2018
This is the second article in a series on distinct sugar beet root rot diseases caused by the genus Rhizoctonia. This week Rhizoctonia solani and Rhizoctonia solani are featured.

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Figure 1. Sulphur cinquefoil flower (Photos by Gary Stone)
Figure 1. Sulphur cinquefoil flower (Photos by Gary Stone)

Sulphur Cinquefoil — An Invasive Species in Nebraska

March 16, 2018
Sulphur cinquefoil is a perennial forb and aggressive invasive species that establishes quickly in disturbed areas and over-grazed sites. Prevention and, if necessary, timely identification and management are the best routes to containing this invader.

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Bacterial leaf streak in corn
Figure 1. Bacterial leaf streak symptoms on corn are interveinal streaks that may appear tan, brown, or especially yellow when backlit by the sun.

Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn

August 25, 2017
Bacterial leaf streak was just confirmed in Nebraska in 2016, the first incidence in the US, but has now spread to 56 counties and is found in eight other states.Learn about factors contributing to its development and "host" plants, as well as management options.

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Frogeye leaf spot

Frogeye Leaf Spot in Soybeans in Eastern Nebraska

July 27, 2017
Frogeye leaf spot is occurring in Nebraska soybeans, particularly in the eastern third of the state. While some fields have minor levels, some have significant levels and a fungicide treatment may be needed.

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Medusahead Grass
Figure 1. Medusahead seed head, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski (Photo credit: Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org)

Detecting Invasive Species: Medusahead

March 10, 2017
Growers are encourage to watch for Medusahead, an invasive weed species that is now in Wyoming and moving eastward. If it reaches the Pine Ridge area or Sandhills, it could cause devastating damage to the ecology and range production. The concept of early detection and rapid response, as described here, will be important to its containment.

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