Diseases & Disorders

All Diseases & Disorders Content

Corn Stunt in South Dakota

In late September, a sample received from Deuel County was confirmed positive for corn stunt, a disease spread through corn leafhopper feeding. This diagnosis is the furthest north corn stunt has ever been confirmed and reported in the United States.

Two animal disease researchers analyzing samples in a lab.

Swine Foreign Animal Disease Preparation: A reflection through the legacy of Gord Downie

The threat of foreign animal disease outbreaks demands preparedness, rapid response, and a community-wide effort to mitigate damage. Interestingly, the legacy of musician Gord Downie offers a framework for approaching these issues with urgency, empathy, and a forward-looking perspective.

Corn leaf with multiple tar spot lesions. The smaller lesions are about the size of a pen tip.

South Dakota Tar Spot Update: September 30, 2024

As of September 26, 2024, our researchers have confirmed the presence of tar spot in 25 counties across the eastern half of South Dakota. The severity of infection has varied anywhere from less than 1% to approximately 20% on individual corn plants.

Monitoring and Correcting Magnesium Deficiency in High Tunnels

This point in the growing season is a good time to monitor and correct for magnesium deficiency in high tunnel crops, especially on tomatoes. Deficiency symptoms normally appear mid-season on plants with heavy fruit loads.

Two fingers pointing out a single tar spot lesion on a corn leaf.

South Dakota Tar Spot Update: September 13, 2024

Tar spot was recently found in Turner, Clay, Union, Yankton, and Bon Homme Counties. Low levels of tar spot do not indicate a need to spray, but they do indicate that fields should be routinely scouted until harvest.

Several plastic bottles of pesticides gathered together in a white tub.

Managing Waste Pesticides: Restricted Use Pesticides

While pesticides are intended only to impact pests, they can have negative consequences on unintended targets, such as humans and wildlife, if not handled properly. Learn what steps you need to take to safely dispose of unused pesticides and comply with regulations.