Insects in a line on flat surface
Figure 1. Wheat stem sawfly adult (left) and the two species of Bracon parasitoids (middle and right) that are commonly found parasitizing wheat stem sawfly larvae in Nebraska. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw)

Wheat Stem Sawfly Flights Peaked, New Reports of Range Expansion

June 12, 2024
In addition to confirming the presence of wheat stem sawfly in new Nebraska counties this year, Nebraska Extension anticipates fairly high pressure from the crop pest this growing season.

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Wheat stem sawfly on plant

Zuppa Selected to Receive Sustainable Agriculture Grant from NCR-SARE

March 15, 2024
The award recognizes and will help fund Zuppa's research project on wheat stem sawfly, with primary focus on how the insect affects winter wheat residue, soil-water storage, soil health, and crop yield in dryland cropping systems.

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Wheat plot tour participants in field
Growers and extension faculty walk through wheat plots at the 2023 High Plains Ag Lab tour in Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Nebraska Extension Aids Growers with Studies on Wheat Planting Varieties

August 24, 2023
Extension insights on 2023 wheat production after varying degrees of rain and drought caused challenges for varieties throughout Nebraska, and tips on how to prepare for 2024.

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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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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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Overwintering sawfly larva
The recent temperature extremes will not provide adequate control of pests such as this overwintering sawfly larva.

How Have the Cold February Temperatures Affected Insect Overwintering in Nebraska?

February 26, 2021
Extension specialists detail what effect February's bitter temperatures and snow cover may have on overwintering insects in Nebraska.

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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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wheat stem sawfly adult

Wheat Stem Sawfly Infestations Continue to Impact Harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle

July 23, 2020
WSS damage in winter wheat was first noted in Nebraska in the early to mid-1990s in Banner County near the Wyoming border. It has continued to increase ever since and now is a very significant issue.

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