UNL PREEC Showcases New Dry Bean Research and AI Tools

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC) will showcase dry bean research during its Dry Edible Bean Open House on September 2, 2026, in Scottsbluff. The event will provide producers and industry professionals with an opportunity to learn about advancements in weed management, disease detection, and precision agriculture.

One featured research project focuses on controlling Palmer amaranth, a herbicide-resistant weed that poses a significant challenge for dry bean growers. UNL Integrated Weed Management Specialist Nevin Lawrence and his team are evaluating herbicides currently used in soybeans to determine their effectiveness in dry edible bean production.

“A study that I'm doing along with colleagues at the University of Wyoming where we are screening a number of currently available dry edible bean products along with herbicides that are labeled in other crops such as soybeans,” he said. “We've got some plots that are looking pretty good, no visual injury — seem to be holding the weeds back pretty well. Unfortunately, we also have plots that kind of look like the surface of Mars. So, this is some of the challenge with dry edible beans.”

Another area of research involves artificial intelligence and imaging technology for crop monitoring. Wei-Zhen Liang, a research assistant professor in UNL’s Biological Systems Engineering Department, is leading efforts to improve white mold detection and weed management in dry bean fields.

Liang and her team developed the PivotCam system, which is mounted on irrigation pivots and uses cameras and sensors to continuously monitor crop conditions. The technology captures field images throughout the day and provides growers with near-real-time data through online and mobile platforms.

The open house will feature research plot tours, educational exhibits, networking opportunities, and presentations from PREEC faculty. Attendees will have the chance to explore new technologies and management practices aimed at improving dry bean production and crop protection in Nebraska.

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