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Diseases & Disorders

All Diseases & Disorders Content

green plant leaf with white, powdery growth throughout

Plant Problems in Cool, Wet Soil

Wet, cool soils are prime conditions for many plant diseases to thrive. Lear more about some of the most-common cool, wet weather problems.

Three common potato issues. From left: Potato scab, knobbing and cracking, and hollow heart.

What’s Wrong With My Potato?

We are accustomed to perfect-looking potatoes from the grocery store, but sometimes our homegrown tubers don’t meet that same standard. Following are a couple of common problems home gardeners may contend with.

a black and yellow respirator mask with blue protective gloves in the background.

Wearing a Respirator? Then No Facial Hair for You!

At commercial or private applicator re-certification trainings, it is possible to hear the phrase, “Don’t wear a respirator if you have facial hair!” Facial hair, whether a full beard or stubble, may prevent respirators from sealing to the skin or interfere with their valve function.

two white pigs with pink ears and noses.

What Would African Swine Fever Look Like if it Hit the US?

The incursion and expansion of African Swine Fever (ASF) into China has raised concerns among producers and regulatory officials about the threat the disease may pose to the U.S. swine industry.

A healthy, growing soybean field. Farmyard in the background.

Soybean Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Program

We want you! SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council are seeking South Dakota Soybean Growers willing to participate in a farmer-led on-farm research program.

several yellow and black striped beetles feeding on plant leaves

What's Bugging Your Garden? Cucumber Beetles

Striped cucumber beetles are little yellow and black striped beetles that are fairly small, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and appetite.

peace lily plant with green leaves and delicate white flowers

Care of Peace Lilies

Peace lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants because they are generally easy to grow, have pretty flowers and can tolerate lower light levels. But lots of people do have problems with them. I would say that most of these problems relate to improper watering and fertilizing.

hand holding three green apples with a dimpled, lumpy appearance

Apple Issues

Learn to identify and manage common apple tree issues including: apple maggot injury, apple scab, cedar apple rust, and fruit cracking.

ash leaves with orange to yellow gall-like spots

Tree Rust Diseases

Ash rust and crown rust are two common rust diseases that impact South Dakota trees.

Two side-by-side grape diseases. Left: Black Rot. Right: Downy Mildew.

Black Rot & Downy Mildew: Two diseases that can rot grapes

There are several different diseases that can infect the fruit, but two of the most common are black rot and downy mildew. Their symptoms are quite different.