Department of Entomology

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.

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.

Pin-Chu Lai stands in front of extension building near sign — The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist, on Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Entomologist Leaves Humid Climates Behind for Semi-arid Plains

February 1, 2024

Dr. Pin-Chu Lai joined the university's faculty in January as the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center's new entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist.

Julie Peterson mugshot — Julie Peterson has been named the associate director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte. The appointment took effect Sept. 1, 2023.

Peterson Named Associate Director of West Central Research, Extension and Education Center

October 27, 2023

An entomologist and extension specialist, Peterson also leads the Agroecosystems Entomology Lab, and her research focuses on practical applications for integrated pest management of field crops.

Troy Anderson in university lab — A research team that included Husker entomologist Troy Anderson has discovered a potential breakthrough in combating the Varroa mite, a parasite whose spread of viruses can trigger catastrophic losses of honey bee colonies. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Research Boosts Honey Bee Protection Against Deadly Viruses

August 25, 2023

The research team, which includes Husker entomologist Troy Anderson, has identified a drug treatment that stimulates and dramatically strengthens honey bees’ immune systems.

Farm Sci-Ed Video Series Kicks Off

August 26, 2021

The Farm Sci-Ed program focusing on highlighting the “science and education behind farming” and integrated pest management research released its first video in a series about research projects happening within the Nebraska Panhandle.

Kyle Koch Named New Insect Diagnostician

July 24, 2019

Kyle Koch has joined the Department of Entomology as the new Nebraska Extension insect diagnostician and assistant extension educator.