Plants or Crops
All Plants or Crops Content
Effects of Late Spring Frost on Alfalfa
Forage research indicates that, although alfalfa is considered to have good cold temperature tolerance, minor frost damage may occur when plants are exposed to air temperatures slightly below freezing for several hours, and more severe damage will be seen when temperatures drop below 25°F for four or more hours.
The Economic Advantages of No-Till: Diesel Fuel
While no-till and conservation systems are often discussed for their soil health benefits, the economic advantages are becoming increasingly important in today’s farm economy, particularly when it comes to fuel costs.
McCrory Gardens Trial Report aids in flower selection
April 30, 2026
The McCrory Gardens Trial Report, issued annually by SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens, helps South Dakotans choose flower varieties that do well in local conditions.
Building Resilient Farms Amid Increasing Weather Variability
Recent decades have brought a noticeable increase in climate variability in South Dakota. Understanding these trends and adopting adaptive management practices can help producers strengthen the resilience of their operations.
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.
Grass Diseases of South Dakota Identification Guide
Common grass disease identification guide.
McCrory Gardens Trial Report
Learn about annual and perennial flowers that are well-suited for South Dakota gardens based on eastern South Dakota research trials.
Research Report: Warm-Season Living Mulch Impacts on Cucumber Yield and Disease Symptoms
A 2025 trial in Brookings, South Dakota aimed to detect the influences of various warm-season cover crop living mulches on pest pressure in tomatoes and cucumbers and the interactions between both grafted and nongrafted tomatoes and cucumbers and the living mulch.
Bacterial Ring Rot: Yet another devastating disease of potato
Ring rot is primarily a disease of stored tubers and seed potatoes, where it produces black or brown lines just below the surface of the potato.
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.