Weeds & Invasive Plants

All Weeds & Invasive Plants Content
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.

Green plant with bright yellow flowers throughout.

Effects of 2,4-D with and without wiper-applied glyphosate on leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) treated-shoot, shoot regrowth, and root biomass

Fact sheet on the effects of 2,4-D with and without wiper-applied glyphosate on leafy spurge.

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.

Close-up of a plant with broad, lobed green leaves with serrated edges. The stems and veins of the leaves are a reddish-purple color and possess dark spots.

Identification and management of common cocklebur

Fact sheet to help identify and manage common cocklebur.

Patch of green giant ragweed plants growing among corn plants.

Identification and management of common ragweed and giant ragweed

Fact sheet to help identify and manage common ragweed and giant ragweed.

Waterhemp growing at he edge of a soybean field nearing harvest.

Enlist One (2,4-D) and Liberty (Glufosinate) Applied Alone or Mixed During the Day and Night: Weed Control and Soybean Yield Implications

Fact sheet on the research done to determine weed control effectiveness with Enlist One and Liberty alone and tank mixed when applied during the daytime and nighttime.