NF96-301 Gray Leaf Spot in Corn

This NebFact has information on ways to manage gray leaf spot in Corn

G84-702 Root and Soil Analayses for Nematodes in Corn

This NebGuide describes how to interpret laboratory results of samples submitted for nematode analysis and discusses ten species that are potentially damaging to corn. Several kinds of plant parasitic nematodes (small, soil-inhabiting roundworms) are associated with root injury, poor plant color, stunted growth, and reduced grain yields in field corn. Symptoms caused by these pests are often confused with root rot diseases, nutritional deficiencies or climatic stresses. Special laboratory analyses are, therefore, necessary to determine if nematodes are the primary cause of reduced corn performance. Since corn growers may be unfamiliar with nematode diseases, the following discussion of laboratory reports may be helpful

G87-858 Juniper Blight Diseases

Recognition and control of several needle and twig blight pathogens which attack junipers. Junipers are widely used throughout Nebraska in both ornamental landscape plantings and windbreaks. Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum), and other common juniper species are subject to attack by several needle and twig blight pathogens. It is important to properly identify and separate the diseases involved, as each may require a different procedure for effective control

Enhanced metastatic risk assessment in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with the 40-gene expression profile test

Aim: To clinically validate the 40-gene expression profile (40-GEP) test for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients and evaluate coupling the test with individual clinicopathologic risk factor-based assessment methods. Patients & methods: In a 33-site study, primary tumors with known patient outcomes were assessed under clinical testing conditions (n = 420). The 40-GEP results were integrated with clinicopathologic risk factors. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed for metastasis. Results: The 40-GEP test demonstrated significant prognostic value. Risk classification was improved via integration of 40-GEP results with clinicopathologic risk factor-based assessment, with metastasis rates near the general cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma population for Class 1 and ≥50% for Class 2B. Conclusion: Combining molecular profiling with clinicopathologic risk factor assessment enhances stratification of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients and may inform decision-making for risk-appropriate management strategies

Validation of a 40-Gene Expression Profile Test to Predict Metastatic Risk in Localized High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Current staging systems for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) have limited positive predictive value (PPV) for identifying patients who will experience metastasis. Objective: To develop and validate a gene expression profile (GEP) test for predicting risk for metastasis in localized, high-risk cSCC with the goal of improving risk-directed patient management. Methods: Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary cSCC tissue and clinicopathologic data (n=586) were collected from 23 independent centers in a prospectively designed study. A GEP signature was developed using a discovery cohort (n=202) and validated in a separate, non-overlaping, independent cohort (n=324). Results: A prognostic, 40-gene expression profile (40-GEP) test was developed and validated, stratifying high-risk cSCC patients into classes based on metastasis risk: Class 1 (low-risk), Class 2A (high-risk), and Class 2B (highest-risk). For the validation cohort, 3-year metastasis-free survival (MFS) rates were 91.4%, 80.6%, and 44.0%, respectively. A PPV of 60% was achieved for the highest-risk group (Class 2B), an improvement over staging systems; while negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were comparable to staging systems. Limitations: Potential understaging of cases could affect metastasis rate accuracy.Conclusion: The 40-GEP test is an independent predictor of metastatic risk that can complement current staging systems for patients with high-risk cSCC

EC72-1853 Soybean Diseases

Extension Circular 72-1853 discusses soybean diseases

G91-1101 Peach Leaf Curl and Related Diseases

The identification, causes and control of peach leaf curl and related diseases are discussed. Peach leaf curl is a common and widespread disease of peaches. In Nebraska it is found wherever peaches are grown, but it is usually not severe in the drier areas of western Nebraska. The disease is favored by the milder, wetter climate of eastern Nebraska

G96-1289 Diseases of Home Garden Strawberries

This NebGuide addresses on some of the common diseases affecting home garden strawberries in Nebraska and their control. Strawberries are a favored fruit of home gardens. They have been adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions, but sometimes can be challenging to grow. Strawberry yields and fruit quality are influenced by interactions of environment, diseases, pests, and soil conditions

EC92-1248 Growing Squash and Pumpkin for Food and Ornamentation

Pumpkin and squash are American members of the plant family Cucurbitaceae. Cucumbers, originally from India, muskmelons from the Middle East, and watermelons from Africa are other members of this important family of vine crops. Squash, like corn, was domesticated by Indians of Central America and spread to the 48 contiguous states of the United tates before the arrival of Columbus. Squash was among the first vegetables to be planted in Nebraska. These crops can be used in many ways. The quick-growing, tender-skinned summer squash, when harvested and used while still immature, are delicious either steamed and buttered or sliced and baked with onions, bacon, tomato suace and Italian seasoning. Pumpkin usually has finer-textured flesh than squash and is better for pies and custard. Squash or pumpkin pulp is a good ingredient for preparing moist quick breads

G95-1270 Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Soybeans

Life cycle, symptoms, and control measures of sclerotinia stem rot of soybeans is discussed. Sclerotinia stem rot of soybeans is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This pathogen has an extremely wide host range and can affect more than 400 plant species, including oilseed, vegetable and forage legume crops. S. sclerotiorum has caused a disease known as white mold on dry edible beans in western Nebraska for 40 years, but it did not become a problem in soybeans until the 1990s. This fungal pathogen can be found on soybeans in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Stem rot outbreaks in soybeans recently have become more frequent in eastern Nebraska. In other states, outbreaks usually occur in fields which have previously been rotated with a susceptible crop such as sunflower, dry bean or potato. Cereals such as corn and wheat and other monocots are not hosts for this fungus, but weeds such as pigweed and wild sunflower can become infected. In Nebraska the current increase in disease severity can be explained by the recent cool, wet summers which favored disease development in susceptible crops and weeds, leaving more inoculum to infect the soybean crop. Continuous soybeans would enhance inoculum and subsequent infection