Wheat Insects

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.

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.

How University Ag Researchers, Extension are Wrangling Big Data February 2, 2018

Farmers get bits of data, layers of data, in fact so much data it can be hard to interpret and use to make relevant farm management decisions. Read how faculty in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources are helping farmers understand and use all kinds of big data to aid management decisions.

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.

Cutworm Scouting Urged in Western Nebraska Wheat and Alfalfa March 23, 2017

Army cutworms are beginning to show up from central Kansas to Chappell. As wheat breaks dormancy, scouting for cutworms is advised from now through April to determine whether treatment is warranted.

Wheat Insects in 2016 September 1, 2016

The wheat stem sawfly continues to be the predominant insect in wheat and has now been verified in all Nebraska Panhandle counties as well as counties in southwest and south central Nebraska.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Webcast Now Available May 12, 2016

“Wheat Stem Sawfly in Wheat,” a webcast by Jeff Bradshaw, extension entomologist at the Panhandle REC, is now available on the Plant Management Network.

Photos of 3 wheat fields: with stripe rust, leaf rust, and healthy — (From left) Figure 1. A hot spot of stripe rust in a research plot at the ARDC near Mead on April 14. Figure 2. Leaf rust in a research plot at the ARDC near Mead on April 14. Figure 3. A healthy wheat field in Thayer County on April 13. (Figures 1-8 by Stephen Wegulo)

Stripe Rust & Aphids Confirmed in Nebraska Wheat April 15, 2016

Wheat disease surveys on April 8 and April 12-14 found stripe rust and leaf rust at trace to low levels in south central and southeast Nebraska and in the Panhandle. Given the locations of outbreaks in Banner County this spring are the same as when the disease was identified in seedlings last fall, the two rusts may have overwintered. See more reports and management recommendations.