LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Experts say a large grasshopper population could threaten the state’s winter wheat crop. Entomologists with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln say winter wheat, which is just now emerging, could easily be wiped out by grasshoppers.  Entomologist Jeff Bradshaw says that while grasshopper populations decline through the late summer and fall, large numbers still can remain after the first hard freeze. He says growers need to monitor grasshopper density in areas surrounding their fields before and after planting. Another state entomologist, Robert Bradshaw, says 11 to 20 grasshoppers per square yard in non-crop borders around newly planted wheat fields could be enough to cause significant loss.