Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Sunflower Receptacle Maggot Flies Spotted in Sunflower
Quite a few sunflower receptacle maggot flies have been spotted in South Dakota sunflower fields. The adults don’t feed on sunflower, but the larvae of this insect are considered minor pests of South Dakota sunflower.
Cutworms in Sunflowers
In South Dakota, some late-planted sunflower fields are having some cutworm pressure. Although most cutworm activity should be wrapped up by now, it is possible that some populations may have been feeding up until the beginning of July.
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.