Loren Giesler

Dr. Loren Giesler became head of the Department of Plant Pathology Sept. 1, 2018, and is no longer conducting Extension programs in soybean pathology.

Twitter: @MulletManLG
Education
PH.D., University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1998

Dr. Giesler provides statewide leadership for extension plant pathology programs in soybeans and turfgrass diseases. He is the team leader for the Extension Plant Pathology Team which is a Nebraska group of extension Plant Pathologist responsible for disease management programs throughout Nebraska.  His main program focus is in soybeans and has included research projects on Bean Pod Mottle Virus, Soybean Cyst Nematode, Foliar Diseases and seedling diseases including Phytophthora root and stem rot.  He conducts disease management studies on soybean to evaluate the efficacy of soybean seed treatment fungicides and foliar products.  He served as a national leader for identification of soybean rust, coordinator for national soybean rust sentinel monitoring efforts from 2003 through 2012, and toured South America rust fungicide efficacy trials in 2004 and 2005. Dr. Giesler is currently working on several studies on soybean cyst nematode to improve management programs for this significant pest of soybean.  Through continued support of the Nebraska Soybean Board, a free soil sampling program for SCN is operated in his program that provides soybean farmers a way to determine if SCN is present in their fields.

Disclosure
High temps map

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: June 20, 2024

June 21, 2024
The forecast for next week includes temperatures in the high 90s, with triple digits near the Nebraska-Kansas border and Panhandle, followed by possible storms Tuesday night and again Friday into the weekend.

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Grasshopper on plant leaf
While grasshoppers are considered damaging to rangeland and crops, only a handful of Nebraska’s species have been known to cause damage. Correct identification of these species’ nymphal developmental stage will improve results from insecticide applications. See the Grasshopper Pest Management page for identification resources.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Considerations for Grasshopper, Poison Hemlock and Yucca

June 20, 2024
Economic thresholds of grasshoppers have been observed in some Nebraska pastures — review the square foot method and insecticide options to begin scouting and control measures. 

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Soybean sample in a bin

Follow-up from July 2023 Hailstorms to Soybean

June 20, 2024
This article reviews the yield results of five replanted Nebraska soybean fields following hail damage in 2023, which may assist soybean growers currently considering relative maturities in their replant decisions.

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Men throw hay bales onto trailer
Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure will host a July webinar to share insights on how producers can apply data from the 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report to their operations. See webinar details below. (CAP photo)

2024 Nebraska Custom Rates: What to Charge?

June 20, 2024
This article reviews the 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report, a comprehensive resource that serves as an essential guide for those offering and seeking custom agricultural services.

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Woman operating drone in wheat field
Stay tuned for more information on the 2nd Annual Drones in Ag Conference and Nebraska Spray Drone Conference — coming soon to CropWatch.

Nebraska Extension Offers Dual Meetings on Agriculture Drones in August 2024

June 20, 2024
Two back-to-back drone conferences in August will give producers the opportunity to see live demos and hear important information about regulations, spray drone applications and more.

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Western bean cutworm on corn

Degree-days for Prediction of Western Bean Cutworm Flight in 2024

June 19, 2024
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.

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Drone spraying corn field
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep course provides straightforward lessons on regulations, airspace, radio communication, weather, aircraft performance, and other basic aviation concepts necessary to pass the Part 107 knowledge exam.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course Continues Throughout the Summer

June 19, 2024
There are four remaining sessions for Nebraska Extension's summer drone pilot test prep course, which prepares producers to pass the FAA exam and earn a remote pilot certification.

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Sugarbeet field during wilt
Sugarbeet plants wilt in a field.

Excessive Heat Can Affect Plant’s Crop Water Use

June 18, 2024
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone discusses crop water use and wilting as temperatures rise with the arrival of summer.

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