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Weeds & Invasive Plants

All Weeds & Invasive Plants Content

A farmer observing a field at sunset.

Now is the Time to Plan for Noxious Weed Control in 2025

Since most of South Dakota has experienced several frosts, the opportunities for fall herbicide applications are likely over. Now is the time to plan for noxious weed management for both spring and fall tactics.

Producer with tablet observing a field in late autumn.

Now Is the Time To Make Your Weed Management Plan for the 2024 Growing Season

As harvest season comes to an end, now is the time to start formulating your weed management plan for next year. Learn some expert tips for getting your operation off to a good start next growing season.

Two pictures, both a picture of a green plant in a green pot in front of a orange/brown, brick wall. The left picture has a healthy, tall green leafy spurge plant and the right picture has an unhealthy, short green leafy spurge plant.

Evidence That 2,4-D Alone May Not Effectively Manage Leafy Spurge

The SDSU Extension Weed Science Project is currently conducting a potted plant study looking at various herbicide treatments to manage leafy spurge.

Soybean field with abundant grass and weeds between rows.

Cheap and Simple Soybean Herbicide Programs Do Not Pencil Out

While simple, one-herbicide programs are initially easy on the budget, it is important to consider indirect costs of surviving resistant weeds that reduce soybean yield and produce seed that will have to be managed later.

Two dandelions side by side. The left has a bee foraging on it. The right has a hover fly foraging on it..

Why Those Dandelions in Your Yard Aren’t So Bad

While research has shown that pollinators, specifically honey bees, can’t survive on dandelion pollen alone, this doesn’t mean that the dandelions aren’t still important for pollinators.

A sprayer applying liquid herbicides on corn

While Illegal in Tolerant Soybean, Dicamba Can Still Be Applied in Other Crops

While dicamba labels (i.e., Engenia, Tavium, and Xtendimax) for over-the-top applications for tolerant soybeans have been pulled for the 2025 growing season, the herbicide can still be applied in other crops. Below is a guideline for dicamba use in various crops.

Sunset over a sunflower field in South Dakota.

Sunflower Weed Management

Weed management can be particularly challenging in sunflowers.

Young farmer analyzing data on a tablet computer beside a crop sprayer.

Over-The-Top Dicamba Applications Are Not Legal in Soybean for 2025

The registration for dicamba labels for over-the-top applications in tolerant soybeans have been pulled for the 2025 growing season. Many producers are aware of the situation, but planning weed management strategies should start today.

Yellow wheat field with green weeds throughout.

Weed Control Field Test Data

Data books to use as a reference to select appropriate herbicide(s) for row crops