Weeds & Invasive Plants

All Weeds & Invasive Plants Content

Cleaned, emptied pesticide containers on a concrete workshop floor.

South Dakota Pesticide Container Recycling

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is again offering pesticide container recycling services across the state. View a complete list of 2026 dates and locations.

Wind carrying a cloud of topsoil over a dry, bare field.

2026 Growing Season: Forecasted dry weather and the implications on postemergence herbicide activity

Weather cannot be controlled, but there are variables we can control to help increase the effectiveness of postemergence herbicides during drought conditions.

Red fescue, a red colored grass, in a meadow in the Black Hills National Forest.

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), A New Grass in the Black Hills: Friend or Foe?

Red fescue (Festuca rubra), a cool-season, dominate rhizomatous grass, has started showing up on disturbed ground near meadows and forests. While it is not a state noxious weed yet, its spread has raised questions from producers.

Picture of mostly brown soil with two, small, faintly green plants near the center.

Waterhemp Has Emerged in South Dakota

Waterhemp seedlings were observed in Volga, South Dakota and other observations of emerging seedlings have been and reported elsewhere in the state. While the seedlings are still small, forecasted rain and increased temperatures will cause these plants to grow rapidly.

Young absinth wormwood, Canada thistle, and leafy spurge plants emerging.

Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow

Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.

Herbicide sprayer on the edge of an emerging soybean field.

Syngenta to Stop Production of Gramoxone®

Global pesticide developer Syngenta announced on March 3, 2026 that they will cease global production of the herbicide product Gramoxone® (paraquat), a pivotal source of weed control in corn and soybean production, by June 30, 2026.

Mesonet camera overlooking spring pasture and cropland in Avon, South Dakota.

Great Temperature Shifts This Spring: Implications for burndown herbicide applications

The 2026 growing season is beginning as temperatures begin to increase. The increased temperatures are favorable for growing conditions, however, great temperature shifts throughout the day may adversely affect the activity of herbicide applied for preplant burndown.

Early spring lawn with noticeable weed growth.

Organic Herbicides for Lawns

Organic herbicides are becoming more common on the market due to the perception that these products as safer towards humans, pets, and the environment. For those interested in these products, there are several factors to consider.

Two pictures of green grass demonstrating their physical differences.

Preemergence Crabgrass Herbicide Decisions

The optimal application window for preemergence herbicides to manage crabgrass in turf is normally during April, and earlier in the month during warmer years.

Field of green soybean plants with green corn and blue sky in the background.

Performance of Enlist One (2,4-D) and Liberty (Glufosinate) Applied in Mixture or Sequentially for Weed Control in Soybean

Trial results for Enlist One (2,4-D) and Liberty (Glufosinate) on weed control in soybean.