Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Redheaded Flea Beetles Active in Soybean
Redheaded flea beetles are active in soybean. Although they haven’t caused significant defoliation yet, their activity should be monitored.
Obliquebanded Leafrollers Active in South Dakota Soybean
If you’ve observed rolled soybean leaves that are held together by webbing, don’t immediately think thistle caterpillar. The obliquebanded leafroller caterpillar will roll soybean leaves and hold the leaf in place with silken webbing.
Soybean Aphids Spotted in South Dakota
Soybean aphid populations have been observed in South Dakota. Although these populations are still very small, it is a good reminder that soybean aphid scouting should occur throughout the growing season to prevent population outbreaks and yield loss.
Start Scouting for Striped Cucumber Beetles
Striped cucumber beetles are showing up in gardens across South Dakota. If large populations are present in a garden, they can cause severe injury to squash, cucumbers, melons and other cucurbits if left unmanaged.
English Grain Aphids Observed in Wheat
Reports of aphid populations in wheat fields have been slowly increasing in the past week. Most of these populations are well below the economic threshold, but there is a potential for them to increase.
Spider Mites Reported in South Dakota Crops
With drought conditions continuing in South Dakota, it isn’t surprising that two-spotted spider mite infestations are being reported throughout the state. With hot temperatures in the forecast and limited chances for precipitation, we can expect spider mite populations to thrive in infested fields.
Cowpea Aphids Infesting Alfalfa
Typically, we worry about pea aphids in alfalfa. However, we noticed that cowpea aphids were present on alfalfa this week. If left unmanaged, cowpea aphids can stunt alfalfa, reduce yields and even kill the plants during severe infestations.
Keep Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils
This week we received a report and picture confirmation of early-instar alfalfa weevil larvae in an alfalfa field. Although most alfalfa fields were treated for alfalfa weevils before the first cutting, those fields still need to be scouted.
It’s Time To Start Scouting for True Armyworm Caterpillars in Wheat
This week, we collected quite a few true armyworm moths from our traps around eastern South Dakota. That means that true armyworm caterpillars will probably be showing up soon. To play it safe, scouting should start this week to stay ahead of potential issues.
Grasshoppers Are Causing Concerns in South Dakota Crops
In 2020, grasshopper populations were an issue in parts of central and western South Dakota. The populations this year are moving into crops earlier and appear to be as bad as the ones observed last year.