62 Nebraskaland • May 2020
In 2019, much of Nebraska experienced flooding that
devastated towns, agricultural fields and pastures, and displaced
large numbers of livestock. The floodwaters also moved around
large amounts of sediment, vegetation and other materials. This
flood damage left agricultural and natural areas susceptible to
attack by invasive species. Some invasive species may have
been introduced or moved around by the floodwaters, but others
could have arrived on donated goods.
For example, producers in other states sent much-needed
donations of hay bales for livestock feed, which were
stockpiled at several sites across Nebraska for distribution.
While the donations were greatly appreciated, these bales
could potentially have contained exotic insects and weeds
not found in Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of
Agriculture will be conducting surveys in 2020, focusing
on these distribution locations, to identify whether any
exotic pests were introduced. Early detection will allow for
eradication and limit potential long-term environmental and
economic damage. Examples of pests included in this survey
are imported fire ant (IFA), brown marmorated stinkbug
(BMSB) and various state and federal noxious weeds.
Imported fire ants are found throughout much of the
southern and southeastern United States. Fire ants feed on
new plant growth, including corn and soybeans, affecting
yield. These ants have a venomous sting that is injurious to
livestock and people. In rare cases, people can have severe,
life-threatening reactions to IFA stings.
Brown marmorated stinkbugs
are native to Asia and feed
on a wide variety of host plants. Damage has occurred on
fruit trees, ornamental plants, soybeans, corn and vegetable
crops. BMSB have become established in most states east
of Nebraska in the past 20 years. A small number have been
reported in eastern Nebraska, though its distribution in the
state is unknown.
Additionally, numerous state and federal noxious weeds
could potentially have been moved in baled hay. Weeds of
concern include thistles, lespedeza and other exotic grasses
and forbs.
Producers who received donated hay, and suspect an
invasive species may have inadvertently been introduced to
their property, should contact NDA at 402-471-2351 or send
an email to
agr.plant@nebraska.gov.
MIXED BAG
INTRODUCING INVASIVES
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Brown marmorated stink bug
(Halyomorpha halys). Gary Bernon,
USDA APHIS, Bugwood.org
