Quality SCN Samples are Part Science, Part Art
John Wilson - Extension Educator | Loren Giesler - Extension Plant Pathologist
Growers frequently ask about why we need to sample for soybean cyst nematodes or SCN, a pest causing more yield losses than all other soybean diseases combined. As harvest winds down, we are entering the time when the most samples are taken each year. This prompted a related question on sampling: What is the proper way to take a soil sample to test for SCN in your field?
There is both science and art in collecting good soil samples.
Cultivating access: Huskers aim to increase diversity in agricultural science workforce
A new project at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is focused on increasing women and minority interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related agricultural majors and careers. The project is called “Cultivate ACCESS: Agriculture Career Communities to Empower Students in STEM.”
Lee Briese received the ASA ICCA of the Year award
Lee Briese, DPH Graduate Student, received the ASA ICCA of the Year award at 2017 International ASA, CSSA and SSSA Annual Meeting last week in Tampa.
Congratulations!
Reuters: Nebraska corn fields hit by disease
It's too early to tell how destructive the disease will be this season, Tamra Jackson-Ziems, extension plant pathologist with the UNL Department of Plant Pathology, said.
National Geographic: Ancient "giant virus" revived from Siberian permafrost
A team of French researchers have discovered an ancient virus buried deep in the Siberian permafrost, untouched for 30,000 years. Though microscopic, it is a so-called "giant virus," much larger than normal specimens and more genetically complex. James Van Etten, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln plant pathology who is an authority on viruses, edited the study led by Jean-Michel Claverie and Chantal Abergel of Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France.
Dr. Loren Giesler accepted the position of Acting Head of the Department
Dr. Loren Giesler has agreed to serve as Acting Head of the Department effective November 6, 2017 through January 2, 2018. The IANR Senior Leadership Team appreciates Loren’s willingness to accept this important role.
AgWeb: Ag experts offer advice on hail damage
University of Nebraska-Lincoln plant pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems describes which diseases to look for in hail-damaged corn.
Columbia Chronicle (Chicago): Plant virus wilts human brain function
James Van Etten, professor of plant pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses recent findings that a chlorovirus can infect humans, leading to impaired brain function.
Newsweek: American researchers discover "stupidity virus."
James Van Etten, a plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses the discovery of a virus --previously believed to infect only algae -- in the throats of human participants in an unrelated study. Those infected with the virus were found to perform more slowly on cognitive function tests.
The Inquisitr: Scientists discover virus that makes people more stupid
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered a virus normally found in freshwater algae also exists in humans. In addition, those with the virus appear to have impaired cognitive performance. Co-author James Van Etten, a plant pathologist at UNL, says more and more studies show microorganisms have a bigger influence on your body than previously predicted.