Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Grasshoppers Already Moving Into Sunflower Fields
With grassland food sources being depleted earlier than usual due to drought, grasshoppers are moving into nearby crops in search of vegetation. In parts of western South Dakota, grasshopper nymphs have already been observed feeding on young sunflower plants.
Redheaded Flea Beetles Clipping Silks
This week, redheaded flea beetles were observed in corn. Redheaded flea beetles will often strip only a layer of the leaves off corn, which results in windowpane holes, but the bigger issue is that they will also feed on corn silks.
Cicada Killer Wasps Are Active in South Dakota
The cicada killer wasps are active in South Dakota, which means cicadas are probably not far behind. As their name implies, cicada killer wasps use cicadas as a food source. They can present an impressive spectacle if you observe one carrying a paralyzed cicada from a tree.
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.