Small Grains

Early Season Insecticide Applications in Wheat

Many wheat producers in South Dakota have adopted more intensive management practices in the last few years, including an early season application of fungicide and, in some cases, insecticide.

SDSU Extension Crop Hour webinar series starts in January

December 11, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension’s 2024 Crop Hour webinar series will start Jan. 9, with webinars hosted from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for nine weeks.

Grasshoppers May Cause Problems for Winter Wheat During Fall 2023

As winter winter begins emerging, it is important to monitor field edges for grasshopper activity and feeding injury. This is especially true in areas where large populations have been observed throughout the summer.

At-Harvest and Post-Harvest Weed Management Tactics in Wheat

Many pre and postemergence herbicides did not adequately control weeds during the 2023 growing season due to early dry and hot conditions. Despite the poor control, there are still options to implement at-harvest and post-harvest to help manage weeds.

Army Cutworms Returning to South Dakota

A black light trap at the SDSU West River Research Farm near Sturgis has started capturing army cutworm moths. This indicates that the moths that migrated west this spring are returning to the South Dakota plains to lay eggs.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Observed in South Dakota Wheat

Wheat harvest is underway in South Dakota, and one of our seemingly annual pests has been observed in wheat fields. While scouting last week, we observed small populations of true armyworms in wheat in Northeastern South Dakota.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Spotted in South Dakota

While scouting this week we observed some very small true armyworm caterpillars. Every year these caterpillars pose a threat to wheat fields, and the best way to stay ahead of them is to start scouting before defoliation is done.

Hessian Fly: Preventing Outbreaks in Wheat

Hessian flies (Mayetiola destructor) are tiny, gnat-like flies. Their larvae are considered serious pests of wheat and occasional pests of barley and rye.

Brown Wheat Mites Active in South Dakota Wheat

There have been reports of brown wheat mites active in wheat in central and western South Dakota. To date, reports have been for minor infestations, but severe infestations are possible.

Low-Level Aphid Populations Present in Wheat

We are starting to receive reports of aphid populations in wheat fields throughout much of South Dakota. At this point in the season, weekly scouting is the best bet to monitor the populations.