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Maple leaf branch with green to yellow leaves

Why Are The Tree Leaves Turning Yellow?

Chlorosis, a condition where the leaf veins remain green but the surrounding foliage turns pale green or yellow, is a common occurrence on certain tree species in South Dakota.

a woman wearing a maroon shirt and black jacket

SDSU Welcomes New Horticulture Faculty Member, Extension Specialist

February 19, 2021

The South Dakota State University Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, along with SDSU Extension, has named Dr. Kristine Lang to serve as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Consumer Horticulture.

Black beetles with orange or yellow spots feeding on a ripe tomato.

How Do I Keep Insects From Destroying My Garden Produce?

It is not unusual to see insects in a garden during the fall, but it can be frustrating to watch nearly ripe produce be destroyed by insects before it can be picked.

fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds

Fire Blight

Fire blight is a disease that can infect apples, pears, and certain ornamental species including crabapples, cotoneaster, and mountain ash. Occasionally it may also appear on cherries, plums, Juneberry (also called Serviceberry or Saskatoon), and raspberry. This disease, caused by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora, can damage blossoms, fruit, leaves, shoots, and branches. If it is not controlled, fire blight may kill the entire tree or shrub. Infected tissue cannot be cured, but will need to be removed from the tree to prevent further spread.

bunches of Aronia berries still on a bush

Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota

Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.

tall trees in the Black Hills

Junior Arborist Activity Guide

The Junior Arborist Activity Guide provides objectives, content, equipment and supplies needed to complete 8 modules of arboriculture instruction, helping schools and other educational programs to create a youth arboriculture program of their own.

a lush, green grape vine with clusters of dark, purple grapes

Starting a Commercial Vineyard in South Dakota

Are you thinking of starting your own vineyard? This publication provides a brief overview of the issues you need to consider in determining whether grape growing might be a good fit for you.

a lush, green grape vine with clusters of dark, purple grapes

Vineyard Work Calendar

Monthly check list for vineyard work

grapes growing on a vine in a vineyard

Grape Varieties for South Dakota

Updated list of grape varieties recommended for South Dakota.

A close up of a raspberry plant with several berries growing on the plant

Growing Raspberries in South Dakota

Fact sheet describing how to grow raspberries in the home garden: selection, planting, and care.