Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Common Stalk Borers and Why They Matter in Early Season Corn
Based on current degree day accumulations, the common stalk borer caterpillars are developing within weeds and grass hosts. Once the caterpillars outgrow these hosts they will begin moving into corn fields.
It’s Time To Start Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils
This week, alfalfa weevil larvae have been spotted in the fields. Routine scouting is the best method to ensure that alfalfa isn’t heavily defiolated by this pest.
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 16, 2024
Common stalk borer caterpillars are still active in grass and weeds along field edges. Based on recent degree day data throughout the state, no scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity in fields yet.
Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 16, 2024
Based on accumulated degree days, areas in southern South Dakota are approaching the peak emergence period for the second generation of seed corn maggots.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 16, 2024
South Dakota finally warmed up and as a result, alfalfa across the state should be scouted for alfalfa weevil larvae.
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 8, 2024
No scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity based on current degree days. Across South Dakota, the young common stalk borer caterpillars are active in alternative weed and grass hosts.
Dying Patches in Your Pasture? Make Sure You Don’t Have White Grubs.
There have been an increasing number of reports of pastures with dead areas showing up this spring. A little digging into these areas has revealed that part of the problem is the presence of true white grubs, which are the larva of June beetles.
Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 9, 2024
With the cool, wet start to the 2024 season, it is important to consider the possibility that seedcorn maggots could cause issues for crop seedlings
South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality: 2023-2024
Every year we evaluate the overwintering success of bean leaf beetles in South Dakota. At emergence, the overwintering population of bean leaf beetle adults will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on the seedlings.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 9, 2024
Although May hasn’t been extremely warm, the accumulated degree days in South Dakota since January 1, 2024, suggest that alfalfa weevil larvae could be active in several areas of the state.