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
Soybean gall midge larvae on stem

Soybean Gall Midge Adult Activity Detected in Nebraska

June 5, 2024
Soybean gall midge has been detected recently in several locations across eastern Nebraska. This article provides information to growers on how to determine if an application is necessary.

Read more

Soybean field during summer
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo)

Crop Progress: Nebraska Soybean Planting Nearly Finished

June 4, 2024
Corn planting has been completed in Nebraska, and soybean planting is nearly done as well.

Read more

Water droplets

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for June 3-9, 2024

June 3, 2024
This week's crop water use estimates and insights from Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, on planting dry edible beans as temperatures begin to climb toward summer.

Read more

Extension reports map

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (May 27-31)

May 30, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in fields across the state this week.

Read more

Green wheat field in Nebraska
Figure 1. A grower’s wheat field in Webster County on May 28.

Wheat Disease Update for May 30, 2024

May 30, 2024
Severe infections of stripe rust were observed this week in Nebraska wheat fields, and leaf rust was identified for the first time this season.

Read more

Water droplets

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for May 27-June 2, 2024

May 29, 2024
Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week.

Read more

Leafy spurge closeup
Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa Weevil, Planting Warm-season Annuals

May 28, 2024
Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

Read more

Dry bean field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo)

Crop Progress: Dry Edible Bean Planting Underway

May 28, 2024
As corn planting nears the finish line in Nebraska, dry edible bean producers are getting started on their planting season.

Read more