Wheat Insects

Wheat stem sawfly
Wheat stem sawfly on a piece of wheat. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw)

‘Great Plains Sawfly Survey Project’ Seeks Grower Input

July 6, 2023
Growers are encouraged to share their insights on controlling wheat stem sawfly through the survey, which will help a UNL-led team of researchers find improved solutions for management of this pervasive wheat pest.

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Miller moths

Spring Miller Moth Invasion

May 23, 2023
While they don't cause damage to plants when feeding, migrating army cutworm moths can be an irksome household pest. Fortunately, there are simple management methods to prevent them from entering homes and other structures. 

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Wheat stem sawfly
An adult wheat stem sawfly in wheat at the High Plains Ag Lab.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Emergence — Field Notes from Early June

June 7, 2021
Recent observations indicate very high populations of wheat stem sawfly in Nebraska wheat fields, with emergence not only from field edges but also deep within fallow fields. Documentation on infestations is encouraged for successful fall sawfly management.

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sawfly larva within its pupal chamber
Wheat stem sawfly within its pupal chamber.

Wheat Stem Sawfly in 2020

September 1, 2020
This article provides a brief background on how the wheat stem sawfly arrived here, ideas on how we might manage it in Nebraska and thoughts on why we saw reduced damage in some regions while others had the most damage they have ever seen.

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Map of grassland-sawfly-parasitoid intensive survey.

Wheat Insect Update

January 9, 2019
A survey and landscape analysis is being conducted to better understand the ecology of both the wheat stem sawfly and its parasitoid, the most effective control method for the wheat stem sawfly in Nebraska.

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A field of lodged wheat with an inset photo showing wheat stubs where the wheat stem sawfly overwinters.
Figure 1. Wheat lodging due to wheat stem sawfly. Figure 2 (inset). Wheat stubs remaining in field after sawfly feeding. The sawfly will overwinter in the stub and leave the plant in the spring.

Increased Wheat Stem Sawfly Populations In 2018

August 30, 2018
One of the newest challenges to wheat growers is the wheat stem sawfly, which can girdle stems, causing lodging and yield losses. University research may offer a clue to new control practices.

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Stinking smut (left) and loose smut of winter wheat
Fungal diseases of wheat include stinking smut (left, Figure 1) and loose smut (right, Figure 2). (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Should I Plant Treated Wheat Seed?

August 29, 2018
Using clean, certified, treated winter wheat seed optimizes the chances of obtaining high yields. Seed-transmitted diseases and fall insects can reduce grain yield as well as quality next summer.

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Chart looking at adult sawflies from spring-disced summer fallow

Wheat Insect Pest Update

January 8, 2018
An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics reviewing the status of insects in wheat, particularly the wheat stem sawfly.

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