Adam Varenhorst

Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist

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605-688-6854

Berg Agricultural Hall 308
Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science-2207A
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007

As the SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist I serve South Dakota stakeholders by addressing insect pest issues in field crops. I conduct applied research that focuses on corn, soybean, wheat and sunflower. I also assist the other extension entomologists to address questions pertaining to insect questions for the home and garden, urban insect pests and general entomology questions.

Also by Adam Varenhorst

Small pale green leafhopper on a green alfalfa leaf.

Potato Leafhoppers in Alfalfa

Potato leafhoppers are a migratory pest that commonly impact alfalfa fields throughout South Dakota. Feeding injury caused by potato leafhoppers resembles drought stress and, if left untreated, can reduce both yield and forage quality.

Cream colored moth with a dark brown band in the middle of its body.

Monitor Sunflower for Banded Sunflower Moth Activity

Banded sunflower moths are active in South Dakota, which means it is time to start scouting sunflowers for their eggs. Banded sunflower moth caterpillars can reduce yields and oil content by feeding on the developing florets and tunneling into developing seeds.

A large wasp on a pink flower.

Giant Wasps Are Invading My Yard! No, They Still Aren’t Murder Hornets.

Every year we receive multiple reports of giant wasps that seem to invade yards and gardens. These wasps aren’t the same as the so-called "murder hornets," but are actually cicada killer wasps.

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