Crop rotation is one of the most powerful, low-cost disease management tools available to home gardeners and small-scale farmers in Nebraska. Proper rotation breaks pathogen cycles, reduces pest build-up, preserves soil health, and improves long-term yield stability. This article explains when and how to rotate crops in Nebraska vegetable beds, identifies which diseases are most […]
Leaf-mining insects are a common and often overlooked group of pests in Nebraska landscapes. They feed between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, creating visible mines that vary in shape and pattern. While many mines are primarily cosmetic, heavy infestations can reduce photosynthesis, weaken plants, and cause premature leaf drop. This article explains the […]
Why early scouting matters in Nebraska Nebraska producers face a range of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that can establish early in the season and reduce yield potential dramatically before visible loss is obvious. Early detection gives growers and agronomists the best chance to manage disease through targeted fungicide applications, hybrid or variety choices in […]
Nebraska gardeners and small-scale growers often face a familiar set of beetle pests: Colorado potato beetles, flea beetles, cucumber beetles, and, in some areas and seasons, Japanese beetles and other coleopterans. Heavy-handed pesticide use can harm pollinators, natural enemies, soil life, and human health. This article presents practical, low-impact strategies you can use in Nebraska […]
Nebraska’s climate and soils create both opportunities and challenges for gardeners, landscapers, and farmers. Periods of heavy spring moisture, compacted clay subsoils, and shallow water tables in some parts of the state make poor drainage a common problem. When soil stays wet for extended periods, plant roots become stressed and vulnerable to diseases such as […]
Gardening in Nebraska presents a mix of opportunity and challenge. The state spans USDA hardiness zones 4 through 6, and seasons can swing from late frosts to heat waves, from drought to heavy rain. Those swings create fertile ground for plant diseases when conditions briefly favor pathogens. One of the best preventive strategies for gardeners […]
If you find gypsy moth caterpillars in Nebraska, act promptly. Gypsy moths are a highly destructive invasive species whose larvae can strip leaves from hundreds of kinds of trees and shrubs. Early detection, correct identification, and immediate, informed action can stop a single infestation from becoming a neighborhood or regional problem. This article explains how […]
Cercospora leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola, is one of the most important foliar diseases of beets in Nebraska. It reduces photosynthetic leaf area, lowers root yield and sugar content in sugar beets, and can render table beets unsalable. This article explains what the disease looks like at different stages, why Nebraska fields […]
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, is the most economically important pathogen of soybeans in the United States and a constant concern for Nebraska growers. Management of SCN in Nebraska combines regular scouting and soil testing, resistant varieties, crop rotation, seed treatments and biologicals, targeted field hygiene, and data-driven management zones. This article reviews the […]
Fruit tree cankers are one of the most visible and destructive problems orchardists and home gardeners face in Nebraska. Cankers are sunken, dead areas of bark and cambium that result from infection, injury, or environmental stress. Over time they can girdle branches or trunks, reduce fruit yield, and kill trees. Understanding why cankers develop in […]
Why early identification matters Early detection of invasive weeds and pests is the single most important factor in limiting long-term damage to yard trees, shrubs, turf, and native plant areas. Nebraska landscapes are vulnerable to fast-spreading plants that reproduce by seed and extensive root systems, and to insects and mammals that can quickly reduce tree […]
Nebraska gardeners face a distinct set of challenges when it comes to soil-borne diseases. Continental climate swings, heavy clay or alkaline soils in many parts of the state, periodic flooding, and hot summers that follow cool, wet springs all contribute to conditions that favor pathogens such as Fusarium, Verticillium, Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotinia, clubroot and […]
Introduction Early-season insect infestations can determine yield outcomes for corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and other Nebraska crops. Scouting proactively during planting and the crop establishment window allows managers to detect localized problems, avoid yield loss, and use insecticides or cultural tactics more effectively and economically. This article synthesizes practical, regionally relevant guidance on when to […]
Soil is alive with organisms, many beneficial and many neutral, but a subset of microscopic and macroscopic pathogens can cause serious losses in home and community gardens across Nebraska. Understanding which pathogens are common, how they survive in Nebraska soils, what symptoms they cause, and which management tools are practical for gardeners is essential to […]
Bacterial wilt is a complex of diseases caused by different bacterial species that attack vegetable crops in Nebraska. Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective management. This article provides a practical, step-by-step approach to recognizing symptoms in the field, performing simple in-field tests, collecting and packaging diagnostic samples, and understanding the laboratory tests commonly […]
Nebraska flower gardeners face a range of fungal challenges: powdery mildew on phlox and zinnias, black spot on roses, gray mold (Botrytis) on peonies and salvias, rust on hollyhocks and coneflowers, and root rots in poorly drained beds. This guide presents practical, low-toxicity strategies you can apply in Nebraska’s varied climate zones (moist eastern plains […]
Nebraska’s hot, dry summers create ideal conditions for chinch bugs to damage lawns. These tiny, sap-sucking insects can produce rapid browning and thinning of turf if left unchecked. This article gives a practical, season-by-season program with identification, monitoring methods, cultural practices, biological options, and targeted chemical strategies designed for Nebraska homeowners and lawn care professionals. […]
Beneficial nematodes are a practical, ecological tool that Nebraska gardeners can use to control a variety of soil-dwelling insect pests. They are microscopic roundworms that parasitize and kill many common garden pests without harming plants, people, pets, pollinators, earthworms, or most beneficial insects. This article explains what beneficial nematodes are, why they are well suited […]
Nebraska landscapes face a unique mix of pests and environmental stresses: hot, dry summers, cold winters, periodic drought, and an expanding suite of invasive insects and pathogens. Choosing the right plants and designing plantings to support beneficial insects and healthy ecosystems is the single most effective long-term strategy to reduce pest pressure. This article explains […]
Late blight is one of the most destructive diseases of potato worldwide and remains a serious seasonal threat in Nebraska. Recognizing what late blight looks like on potato plants and tubers early–sometimes within hours of first symptoms–can be the difference between a contained problem and crop loss. This article provides detailed symptom descriptions, diagnostic tips, […]
Introduction: why thrips matter in Nebraska greenhouses Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause outsized damage in greenhouse-grown ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs. In Nebraska greenhouses, where warm, protected environments can accelerate pest life cycles, thrips are a common and persistent problem. Beyond direct feeding damage–silvered or stippled leaves, distorted flowers and buds–many thrips species […]
Trees in Nebraska face a persistent and growing threat from a range of borer insects. These insects are not a single species but a functional group that includes flatheaded borers, roundheaded borers, clearwing borers, and bark beetles. Understanding why borers attack Nebraska trees requires examining insect biology, tree health, landscape practices, and environmental stressors that […]
Nebraska vegetable growers face a mix of climatic challenges that favor fungal and oomycete diseases: cool, wet springs; hot, humid summers; intermittent heavy rains; and widespread irrigation. Many common pathogens — early blight, late blight, powdery and downy mildews, Sclerotinia (white mold), Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Verticillium, and damping-off organisms — thrive in those conditions. The best […]
Overview and scope Spider mites are among the most persistent and damaging pests of landscape and nursery ornamentals in Nebraska. In hot, dry summers they can reproduce rapidly, producing successive generations that defoliate shrubs and trees, reduce flowering, and cause branch dieback. This article outlines how to prevent spider mite damage on common Nebraska ornamentals […]
Brown patch and dollar spot are the two most common fungal problems in Nebraska cool-season turf (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass), and they are frequent headaches for home lawns, landscapes, and sports turf. Knowing when to treat–preventively or curatively–depends on accurate diagnosis, local weather, turf value, and integrated cultural practices. This article gives practical, […]
Grass diseases that show as leaf spots are among the most common and visible problems Nebraska homeowners face. They reduce turf density, create unsightly patches, and — if left unmanaged — can increase the need for reseeding or complete renovation. This article describes the most common leaf spot and leaf-spot-like diseases affecting cool-season turfgrasses in […]
Nebraska producers face a wide range of soil and crop nutrient issues that can reduce yield and profitability if not diagnosed and managed promptly. This article provides a systematic, practical approach to diagnosing nutrient-related disorders in Nebraska crops, with concrete sampling protocols, diagnostic tests, and decision points tailored to Midwestern conditions. The aim is to […]
Nebraska greenhouse operators face a predictable set of fungal challenges: powdery mildew, botrytis (gray mold), damping-off from Pythium and Rhizoctonia, downy mildews, and root rots caused by Phytophthora. Weather extremes in Nebraska — cold winters, hot humid summers, and large diurnal swings — make humidity and temperature control especially critical in greenhouses. This article presents […]
Fire blight (caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora) is one of the most destructive diseases of apples, pears, and several other pome fruits and ornamental hosts. In Nebraska’s climate–where warm, wet springs can coincide with bloom–fire blight can spread rapidly and wipe out blossoms, shoots, limbs, or entire small trees. This article outlines practical, research-backed […]
Nebraska farmers, gardeners, and land managers face a variety of insect pests that can reduce yields, damage landscapes, and increase production costs. Beneficial insects are a cornerstone of sustainable pest management across the state. They reduce pest populations, lower pesticide use, stabilize agroecosystems, and can improve long-term productivity. This article explains the key beneficial species […]
When tomato blight appears in a Nebraska garden it can be alarming: rapidly expanding leaf lesions, blackened stems, and rotting fruit can wipe out weeks of work in a few wet days. Nebraska growers face a mixture of climatic drivers–hot daytime temperatures, cool nights, and sporadic heavy rains–that favor both early blight (Alternaria solani) and […]
Overview: why corn smut matters to Nebraska growers Corn smut (Ustilago maydis) is a fungal disease of maize that is widely recognized by its distinctive tumor-like galls. In Nebraska, where corn is a dominant crop and weather extremes–hot summers, hail events, and variable moisture–are common, corn smut shows up seasonally and can be a visible […]
Cutworms are a common and frustrating pest in Nebraska garden beds. They can sever young seedlings at the soil line overnight, undoing weeks of careful planting in a single night. Effective management requires understanding the pest, monitoring early, and combining cultural, physical, biological, and, when necessary, chemical tools into a practical integrated program. This article […]
Verticillium wilt is a common and frustrating disease of trees and shrubs in Nebraska. Homeowners, landscapers, and city foresters regularly see sudden branch dieback, flagging foliage, and uneven discoloration that can look like drought, borers, or other problems. The underlying cause is a group of soil-borne fungi (Verticillium species) that colonize the water-conducting tissues of […]
Aphids are among the most common and destructive insect pests of vegetable gardens and small farms across Nebraska. They reproduce rapidly, transmit viruses, and can quickly turn a healthy stand of kale, peppers, tomatoes, or onions into a stressed, unproductive crop. Preventing aphid outbreaks takes planning, consistent monitoring, and a combination of cultural, biological, and, […]
Understanding, detecting, and responding to turf disease early prevents small problems from becoming widespread lawn failures. Nebraska’s climate, soil types, and common turfgrass species create specific disease pressures. This guide explains what to look for, how to inspect and diagnose, and what practical steps to take immediately and over the season to reduce disease incidence […]
Turf managers and homeowners in Nebraska face a seasonal cycle of disease pressure driven by continental climate: cold winters, rapidly warming springs, hot dry summers with humid spells, and cool falls. Knowing when to apply fungicides is as important as knowing which product to use. Timely applications reduce disease severity, limit repeated treatments, protect turf […]
Corn in Nebraska faces a range of insect pressures, and several beetle species–both adults and larvae–cause economically important injury. This article reviews the most common beetle pests found in Nebraska corn, explains how they damage plants, describes life cycles and scouting methods, and provides practical, integrated management strategies. Emphasis is placed on corn rootworms, wireworms, […]
Diagnosing bacterial spot on fruit trees in Nebraska requires a methodical approach: observe symptoms, gather site and weather history, collect and submit samples correctly, and understand how to distinguish bacterial spot from fungal and abiotic disorders. This article gives practical, step-by-step guidance for growers, consultants, and extension personnel to reach a confident diagnosis and take […]
Overview: Why slugs are a problem in Nebraska lawns Slugs are a common nuisance in Nebraska landscapes, especially in cooler, wetter parts of the spring and fall. They feed on seedlings, tender grass blades, and low-growing ornamentals, leaving irregular holes and slimy trails. Nebraska’s mix of irrigated lawns, shaded yards, and frequent spring rains creates […]
Wheat rusts remain one of the most persistent and economically damaging diseases for Nebraska wheat producers. The three primary rust pathogens–stem rust (Puccinia graminis), stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis), and leaf rust (Puccinia triticina)–can reduce yield, grain quality, and crop-filling under the right environmental conditions. Preventing rust outbreaks requires a layered, landscape-scale approach that combines resistant […]
Crop rotation is one of the oldest and most effective cultural tools available to Nebraska farmers for reducing disease pressure, stabilizing yields, and lowering input costs. When planned and executed with local climate, soil type, irrigation status, and market realities in mind, rotation interrupts pathogen life cycles, reduces inoculum levels, encourages beneficial soil biology, and […]
Aphids are among the most common and persistent pests in Nebraska vegetable gardens. Their rapid reproduction, sap-feeding habit, and ability to spread plant viruses make them a serious concern for home gardeners and small-scale growers alike. This article explains how to identify aphids, why they become a problem in Nebraska, and a step-by-step integrated approach–cultural, […]
Overview Powdery mildew is one of the most recognizable fungal diseases of roses. In Nebraska landscapes and gardens it can appear every growing season where roses are cultivated, especially when microclimates around the plants favor the fungus. This article describes how to identify powdery mildew on roses, why Nebraska conditions can be favorable, and concrete […]
Root rot is one of the most frustrating problems home gardeners face in Nebraska. It can strike ornamentals, vegetables, fruit trees, and established perennials. Left unchecked, root rot reduces vigor, causes wilting and yellowing, and often kills plants from the roots upward. This article explains what root rot is in the context of Nebraska soils, […]
Trees in Nebraska lose leaves for many reasons, but fungal diseases are one of the most common and visible causes of premature defoliation. Fungi attack leaves, stems, roots and vascular tissues through mechanisms that lead to spotting, blighting, wilting, cankering and eventual leaf drop. Understanding how fungal pathogens operate, which species are most affected in […]
Scale insects are one of the most persistent and damaging pests of landscape ornamentals in Nebraska. They feed by sucking plant sap, are often concealed under waxy coverings, and can cause branch dieback, reduced vigor, honeydew and sooty mold, and even plant death when populations are heavy. Because their biology and vulnerability change with life […]
Early blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, is one of the most common and damaging diseases of tomato in Nebraska. It attacks leaves, stems, and fruit, lowers yield, weakens plants, and can end a season early when conditions favor the disease. Nebraska growers face a range of climates from humid eastern counties to much […]
Nebraska’s mix of urban, agricultural, and natural landscapes means a wide variety of pests can appear in homes, gardens, farms, and natural areas. Correct identification is the foundation of effective, safe pest management. This article explains where to find local, trustworthy resources in Nebraska for pest identification, how to prepare samples or photos, when to […]
Turfgrass in Nebraska can be affected by several species of white grubs (the larval stage of scarab beetles). Understanding when to treat is critical for effective control, minimizing chemical use, protecting non-target organisms, and keeping lawns healthy. This article explains the grub lifecycle in Nebraska, how to scout and decide whether to treat, what thresholds […]
Introduction Nebraska orchardists face a diverse complex of insect pests that attack apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots. The state’s continental climate–cold winters, warm summers, and localized irrigation–creates specific pest pressures and seasonal windows for management. Successful orchard protection relies on accurate identification, careful monitoring, and integrated pest management (IPM) that combines cultural, biological, […]
Understanding and diagnosing plant diseases promptly and accurately is essential for minimizing yield loss, protecting adjacent crops and landscapes, and choosing effective management strategies. Nebraska growers and gardeners face a mix of fungal, bacterial, viral, nematode, and abiotic stresses across row crops, forage, turf, and ornamental plants. This article provides an in-depth, step-by-step approach to […]
Nebraska gardens face a distinct set of pest challenges: hot, dry summers in the Plains, cool springs and falls, and agricultural landscapes that influence pest pressure. Natural pest control in this environment blends prevention, habitat management, biologicals, and careful monitoring. This article provides clear, practical strategies you can implement this season — from soil health […]
Nebraska vegetable growers face a predictable and recurring challenge: fungal diseases that reduce yields, lower quality, and increase labor and input costs. Warm, wet springs and hot humid summers create an ideal environment for many fungal pathogens. This article provides in-depth, practical steps you can apply at every stage of production — from seed to […]
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is not a single technique but a decision-making framework that uses multiple tactics to manage pests in an economically and ecologically sound manner. For Nebraska growers, adopting IPM offers measurable benefits: reduced input costs, preserved efficacy of pest management tools, improved yields, and diminished environmental and human health risks. This article […]
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is now a routine concern for homeowners across Nebraska. If you have ash trees on your property, it is important to be proactive. This article explains how to recognize EAB, weigh treatment versus removal, choose practical treatment options, manage infested material safely, and plan a resilient yard. Concrete, step-by-step recommendations are […]
Overview: why rust matters in Nebraska corn production Corn rust is a recurring foliar disease in Nebraska that can reduce yield, cause premature plant death, and create harvest complications when infections are severe. Two rust pathogens of primary concern on corn are common rust (Puccinia sorghi) and southern rust (Puccinia polysora). Both produce pustules filled […]
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are a common pest in Nebraska lawns and landscape plants. They feed on foliage, flowers, and fruit as adults and as grubs they eat grassroots, which can cause brown patches, thinning turf, and secondary damage from wildlife. Effective control requires understanding their lifecycle, monitoring your lawn, using cultural practices to reduce […]
Healthy trees are the foundation of attractive, resilient landscapes across Nebraska. The region’s extremes — cold winters, hot dry summers, occasional flooding, alkaline soils, and high winds — create conditions that can both stress trees and favor pathogens. This article provides practical, field-tested guidance for preventing tree diseases in Nebraska yards, parks, and urban plantings. […]
Gardening in Nebraska offers rich rewards, but it also brings a steady stream of insect and invertebrate pests that can reduce yield, disfigure ornamentals, and spread disease. This guide focuses on the common pests Nebraska gardeners encounter, how to recognize them and their damage, and practical monitoring and control strategies tailored to the state’s climate […]