Insect & Pests

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 13, 2021

The upcoming weather forecast looks warmer than the last few weeks, and that means we will begin to accumulate degree days for the common stalk borer at an increased rate.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: April 29, 2021

As temperatures continue to warm up, degree days are beginning to accumulate a little faster for common stalk borers. Most of South Dakota is still between conditions approaching egg hatch and egg hatch occurring.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: April 22, 2021

In its early vegetative growth stages, corn is susceptible to feeding by the common stalk borer. The hatching and movement of common stalk borer caterpillars can be estimated by using degree days.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 20, 2021

Warmer weather is finally here. Although we have accumulated quite a few degree days for common stalk borers, nowhere in the state has reached accumulation levels for common stalk borer caterpillar movement into corn fields.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 6, 2021

We are beginning to accumulate degree days a little faster for common stalk borers. Eggs will be hatching through much of the state, and we will continue to monitor activity as the season progresses.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: June 6, 2019

It finally warmed up and the insects have definitely become more active. However, our calculations indicate that not enough degree days have been accumulated for common stalk borer activity to warrant any scouting, but spraying field edges should be avoided through most of South Dakota in the next week.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: May 30, 2019

Another cool, wet week has led to a limited accumulation of degree days. Based on our calculations, common stalk borer activity still doesn’t warrant any scouting, but spraying field edges should be avoided around Hot Springs, Winner and Vermillion.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: May 23, 2019

Not too much is new regarding common stalk borer activity when compared to last week. Another cool, wet week has led to a limited accumulation of degree days. Based on our calculations, common stalk borer activity still doesn’t warrant any scouting. We will continue to monitor the degree days and provide updates.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: May 16, 2019

The hatching and movement of common stalk borer caterpillars can be estimated by using degree days with a developmental threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Common stalk borer eggs typically begin to hatch at 575 degree days.

Cabbage White Butterflies Are Here!

Keep an eye out for cabbage white butterflies in your garden. These butterflies lay eggs on the underside of the vegetable leaves. Once the eggs hatch, their caterpillars feed on cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, turnips and radishes.