Lance Meinke, Associate Professor of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, conducts research at the ARDC Insect Field Laboratory. Meinke received his Bachelor's Degree in Entomology from North Dakota State University, his Master's Degree in Entomology from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. degree from North Carolina State University (Major: Entomology, Minor: Crop Science). Current research projects at the ARDC focus on the biology, ecology, and management of corn rootworms in field corn.

Michael Barnhart is the Unit Manager and Research Technologist II for the Entomology Department at the ARDC. He and his wife, who also has entomology ties as a research entomologist for the U.S. Forest Service, have two sons and one daughter and make their home in Lincoln.

by Lance Meinke, Entomology Department

Corn rootworms are one of the leading insect pests of field corn in the Midwest, especially in situations where corn is planted in the same field for two or more consecutive years. Corn rootworm larvae feed on corn roots which can cause substantial damage to corn plants and reduce grain yield. Research is being conducted at the ARDC to determine how rootworm larvae affect corn physiology and ultimately cause yield loss. Mario Urias, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology, is currently studying the effects of rootworm feeding on corn plant photosynthesis, growth, and yield in different types of corn (i.e. white and yellow dent corn, popcorn) to determine if there is a common plant response to rootworm injury in corn. Research results will lead to refinement of rootworm economic thresholds, provide basic information that may be used in future plant breeding programs to develop rootworm resistant plants, and potentially lead to new management approaches. UNL faculty collaborating on the project with Mario include Lance Meinke and Leon Higley (Department of Entomology), and Tim Arkebauer (Department of Agronomy).

by Tom Hunt, Entomology Department

The European corn borer (ECB) is a major pest of corn in the Midwest and the target of one of today's newest technologies, Bt transgenic corn. Bt corn is genetically engineered corn that contains a toxin producing gene from the naturally occurring, soil borne bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The Bt corn plant produces its own insecticide, the Bt toxin, which is specific for ECB larvae. While Bt corn is currently planted throughout the cornbelt, it is planted on relatively few acres compared to conventional corn hybrids. However, as more acres are planted to Bt corn, the possibility exists for ECB to become resistant to Bt corn. In order to delay resistance and ensure that Bt corn remains effective for the future, researchers from Universities, USDA-ARS, and Industry are cooperating to develop ways to manage resistance. One such study is being conducted by ARDC entomologists in cooperation with field staff.

John Witkowski (UNL Entomology Dept., NEREC, Concord, NE), Leon Higley and Tom Hunt (UNL Entomology Dept., Lincoln, NE), are conducting an adult ECB mark-release-recapture study examining the movement and dispersal of adult ECB. In brief, thousands of ECB are reared at the Iowa State University USDA-ARS ECB rearing facility in Ames, Iowa. The ECB are fed a diet containing either a red or blue dye which stains their internal organs. The marked ECB are then shipped to Nebraska, released in two ARDC corn fields, and recaptured in one of 40 blacklight traps arranged around the release fields. This important study is providing a variety of information, particularly adult female ECB dispersal distance, that will help provide a foundation on which resistance management tactics can be developed and refined.

Currently, the project is in the second year of a three year study. Preliminary results indicate that corn growth stage and the availability of dense vegetation that is attractive to female corn borers are among the factors that influence the immediate dispersal of adult ECB around corn. While most ECB appear to remain close to their release sites, a few have been recaptured approximately 1.5 miles from their release point. This study is being partially funded by industry partners Novartis Seeds, Dekalb Seeds, Mycogen Seeds and Monsanto.

Farmers and crop producers rely heavily on the advice of professionals regarding efficient crop management. Technological advances, genetic engineering, and other changes and improvements have created a need for advanced training for such professionals and producers. Barb Ogg and Keith Glewn, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Educators were key organizers of the clinic. According to Glewen, "The University of Nebraska has developed training sessions to approach the increased need and demand for continued education."

Crop Management and Diagnostic Clinics were offered for the second year at the ARDC to approach this need. Ogg states, "Over 280 agricultural industry representatives - crop consultants, farm managers, seed and chemical company representatives, farm service center staff and other professionals - as well as agricultural producers - attended the hands-on training sessions." Timely topics were covered including insect, weed, and disease management, soil fertility, manure management, transgenic crops, soil quality, irrigation, and field diagnostics.

NU Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources faculty and private industry agronomists presented the sessions. Presenters included: Brian Benham, Corey Brubaker, Bob Caldwell, Neal Christensen, Tom Clark, Jim Erwin, Dale Flowerday, John Foster, Keith Glewen, Gary Hergert, Patty Hain, DeLynn Hay, Tom Hunt, Dave Isenhour, Keith Jarvi, Rick Koelsch, Paul Jasa, Don Lee, Mark Liebig, Alex Martin, John MacNamara, Steve Mason, ZB Mayo, Lenis Nelson, Barb Ogg, Dick Pence, Jim Peterson, Fred Roeth, Jim Stack, Dave Varner, John Watkins, John Witkowski, Robert Wright, and Dave Wysong. Dale Flowerday also administered establishment of plots.

The clinics were sponsored by Cooperative Extension, the Agricultural Research Division and ARDC, all in IANR, with financial support from private industry. Another set of training sessions will be offered this winter. For more information, contact Keith Glewen at 1-800-529-8030.

Extension Ag Focus Farming and ranching challenges go far beyond traditional weather, pests and prices. Today, social and environmental issues add to conventional economic pressures.

Seeing the bigger picture and making sound long-term decisions that affect production, financial and family goals are more important than ever, said Elbert Dickey, assistant dean of University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.

There are few simple answers for agricultural producers as they balance earning a living and maintaining a way of life, Dickey noted. Producer decisions today are made amidst increasing societal demands and choices.

The types of crops and livestock produced, production methods and marketing choices are nearly unlimited under the current farm bill, added Keith Glewen, University of Nebraska Extension Educator. However, producers face greater decision-making responsibilities as farm program safety nets disappear, he said.

Extension's bigger-picture approach encompasses much more than production agriculture. For example, besides providing research-based agricultural production information, Extension helps build decision-making and planning skills, Glewen said.

Although the issues surrounding production agriculture have changed in recent years, Glewen said, Extension's responsibility and commitment has not. Agricultural profitability and sustainability is one of extension's five priority areas.

Enhancing today's profits and sustaining the future are cornerstones of current Extension efforts to meet the complex needs of producers. Locally, Extension tailors these agricultural programs, information and activities to community needs.

In Saunders County, agricultural profitability and sustainability is a major ongoing Extension focus, said Glewen. For instance, the recent Crop Management and Diagnostic Clinics along with the Crop Management Winter Curriculum, the Nebraska Soybean & Feed Grains Profitabiity Project, and the Nebraska Soybean Day are programs that approach this focus.

The success of these and other Extension educational programs for Nebraska's 56,000 farms and ranches help sustain the biggest piece of Nebraska's economic pie, Dickey said. Agriculture contributes nearly $9 billion to the state's economy annually and employs nearly one out of four people.

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension is about improving the social, financial and environmental well-being of all people, not just those involved with agriculture, Dickey noted. Extension helps establish "common ground" helping connect the producer and consumer."

"Farmers environmentally have a real stake in this," Dickey said. "They want high quality food and high quality water, too." People may use Extension services and not even know it, he added. Two examples include Cooperative Extension's educational programs for many crop consultants and agency personnel, and information for popular farm magazines.

While agriculture remains a strong Extension focus, Dickey noted today's Extension program delivery has changed. In addition to providing educational programs directly to farmers, extension partners with other agencies and private companies to effectively address agriculture's ever-changing needs. Access to Cooperative Extension also is available via the Internet and through the NUFACTS 24-hour telephone service, (800)832-5441.

NU Cooperative Extension is part of NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It is comprised of educators based in county offices and specialists based at the five NU regional research and extension centers and on the Lincoln campus. Many specialists also conduct research, which is shared with Nebraskans through extension programs. Extension focuses on appropriate research-based information from NU and other land-grant institutions.

Cooperative Extension programs are provided through a partnership between county governments, IANR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Landscaping demonstrations, displays and families enjoying a day together are all part of this year's fifth annual Festival of Color, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass and Ornamental Research Area at the ARDC.

Learn about creating a new or renovating an existing landscape that is both attractive and environmentally sensitive at the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources' lawn and garden open house. Hands-on demonstrations will focus on landscape design, irrigation principles, plant selection, planting, mulching and berming. Certified nursery professionals from the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association (NNLA) will be available throughout the day to answer landscaping questions.

Guided tours on tree and shrub selection, perennials, ornamental grasses and turfgrass also will be offered, along with talks on landscape water management, seasonal wreaths and centerpieces, and current fads in perennial gardening.

Another festival feature is the Great Plants for the Great Plains program whose goal is to raise awareness of new and underused plants with exceptional merit. Other festival activities include demonstrations on best lawn management practices, tree and shrub selection, pond maintenance, houseplant propagation, backyard wildlife and more.

A landscape problem-solving session will feature the panel of NU Cooperative Extension specialists from Nebraska Educational Television's Backyard Farmer program. Festival participants may bring plant samples for the panel to identify and diagnose.

Environmental and gardening organizations will be highlighted in the organization tent. Nursery retailers will offer a large selection of plant materials and garden ornaments for sale. Several vendors will offer concessions on the festival grounds.

The Festival's Family Fun Center is one of several expanded activities. Children and adults can enjoy activities such as rain-making on a model Nebraska landscape, and dividing all the world's water proportionately into containers representing oceans, polar ice caps, lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater. Festival goers can label a water cycle poster to learn how the water cycle works, and see how groundwater looks and moves in a model of a typical Nebraska aquifer. They also can make and eat an edible aquifer from ice cream and other treats.

Many of the water-related activities lean toward a better understanding of groundwater, how it exists and how it can be protected and preserved for the continued benefit of all. Fun center activities are targeted primarily to elementary and middle school-age children, but will entertain and educate anyone in the family.

A "Children's Insect Walk" begins at the festival Children's Garden at 11 a.m. Adults and youngsters alike can discover how these often-shunned organisms benefit the environment and gardens.

Internet users can access Festival of Color at http://hort.unl.edu/fallfest/.

Festival of Color remains free to the public, but donations will be accepted to help defray rising costs. The event is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region Vil through the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality; Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association; Nebraska Turfgrass Foundation; Earl May Seed and Nursery, Limited Partnership; Bluebird Nursery; Lilypons Water Gardens, Buckeys Town, Md.; the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District; Campbell's Nursery and Garden Center; and NU Cooperative Extension and the Water Center/Environmental Programs.

Dan Duncan, ARDC Director, received his Master of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska this summer.

How do you and your family spend time together? How often do you spend time together? In today's hurried world, it's often difficult for families to find time to spend together and to find suitable activities that interest the entire family.

Keeping Families First is a statewide campaign to build communities where families are valued. The Keeping Families First night at the Saunders County Fair provided family fun and learning activities. Sponsored by the Active Community Team of Saunders County, the event was a big hit with approximately 350 people in attendance. Nearly twenty booths provided educational information and interactive activities for family members of all ages; 110 children received a special ID complete with their photo and fingerprint. A magic show was held and Theresa from the Fox 42 Kids Club made a special appearance. Seventy-three families made the Keeping Families First pledge to spend more time with their families.

Susan Williams, University of Nebraska Extension Educator, states, "Families are encouraged to look to Keeping Families First to get ideas on how to spend time together." For more information, contact Susan Williams at 1-800-529-8030.

As times change, so has the Saunders County 4-H program. While the rich tradition of livestock, cooking, and sewing is still important for many 4-Hers, the 1997 Saunders County Fair provided a host of other "less traditional" 4-H programs that now appeal to an even wider range of young people.

Once aimed predominantly at the rural population, the 4-H program has expanded to urban audiences. Many 4-Hers choose to show their small pets such as: rabbits, dogs, cats, turtles, birds, and hamsters. Some 4-Hers entered projects stemming from a personal interest or a related school course. Computers, electricity, small engines, woodworking, photography, rocketry, and veterinary science are only a few of the technological and scientific oriented projects offered.

With each project entered, important record-keeping skills and general knowledge application are learned. And because even the best laid plans can go astray, the "4-H Flops" category was developed. 4-Hers can enter the item, tell why it was a flop, and what they learned as a result of the experience.

Basic life skills are developed and enhanced through many projects. Safety was the focus of the shooting sports, ATV, tractor, and bicycle projects. Public speaking skills are developed through demonstrations and illustrated talks. Likewise, the fashion revue provided an opportunity to build self-confidence and presentation skills as 4-Hers modeled outfits that they constructed themselves.

Clover Kids activities were a popular attraction at the fair for young and old alike. Clover Kids is a fun, non-competitive program for 5-8 year olds. All participants receive the same ribbon and same premium. Clover Kids is meant to open the door to 4-H and give youngsters a chance to practice some of the skills they will use in the 4-H program. Clover Kids can enter exhibits, show animals, and present a "show and tell" talk at the fair. Another popular activity was the Keeping Families First night. (See article on Keeping Families First for more details.) 4-H parade float entries also followed the Keeping Families First theme.

The fair highlights many projects available through the 4-H program. To learn more about the Saunders County 4-H program, please contact the Extension Office at 1-800-529-8030.

The 22nd Nebraska Turfgrass Field Day and Show was held at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass and Ornamental Research area at the ARDC in July.

The field day drew in 352 people involved in golf course management, grounds maintenance, commercial supply, athletic turf management, lawn care, research, private consulting, Cooperative Extension, and the Master Gardener Program. The event was sponsored by the University of Nebraska Center for Grassland Studies, Turfgrass Science Team, Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research and the Nebraska Turfgrass Foundation.

Persons attending took away important information about integrated turfgrass management and the latest developments in the turfgrass industry. "The Turfgrass Field Day offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the research efforts of the Turfgrass Science Team at the University of Nebraska," according to Roch Gaussoin, Extension Turfgrass Specialist. "In addition, turfgrass practitioners get applied 'in the field' information they can take back to their workplace."

Tour sessions were held where participants could observe national cultivar trials; insect, weed, and disease management; utilization of wildflowers, native grasses, ornamentals, and shrubs; Buffalograss breeding and biotechnology; and other related areas. Those attending were able to view industry exhibits where the newest innovations in turfgrass development were featured.

For more information on future Nebraska Turfgrass Field Days, please call 472-8747 or 472-8619.

Working with Schools...

* Teaching the Impact of Ag

How often does an elementary school teacher get the opportunity to observe the contents of a cow's stomach or sit behind the steering wheel of a combine? While these may not be regular day-to-day activities for most school teachers, such experiences may come in handy when teaching students about agriculture. The Agricultural Awareness Inservice held at the ARDC this summer provided these opportunities and more for fourteen sixth-grade teachers from Omaha, Wahoo, Mead, and Elkhorn. The intent of the inservice was to educate teachers on what ag-related educational resources are available in the community for them to use in the classroom and to gain a greater understanding of how agriculture impacts daily life.

Participants toured the ARDC, visited the Dairy and Sheep Units, the Individualized Feeding Barn, crop areas, the Horticulture/Turf Unit and the Bee Research area. Presentations on school-oriented ag resources were made by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Department of Agriculture - Poultry and Egg Division, Nebraska Beef Council, ESU #3 - Gifford Farm, Agriculture in the Classroom, and the School-To-Work Program.

The inservice was sponsored by the Agricultural Awareness Coalition - a group of agricultural professionals whose goal is to help urban youth become aware of agriculture by developing resources and opportunities that will increase youth understanding and awareness about agriculture concepts.

The Agricultural Awareness Coalition will also hold their second Agricultural Awareness Festival at the ARDC on October 9 and 10. The festival will provide hands-on agricultural experiences for 400 sixth-graders from Omaha and Saunders County.

Mead Public School teachers gathered at the ARDC for "CHARACTER COUNTS!" training conducted by Susan Williams and Bob Meduna, Extension Educators and Carol Meduna of the School-To-Work Program. "CHARACTER COUNTS!" is a nationwide initiative offered through 4-H to support character education. The purpose of "CHARACTER COUNTS!" is to reinforce the basics of good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Students practice making decisions based on principals of good character. The training was held in conjunction with the NN21 grant-funded biotechnology project partnership with the school. The information will be utilized in studying Bioethics.