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Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Watch for Red Sunflower Seed Weevils

In South Dakota, sunflower flowering is well underway. That means it is time to start scouting fields for red sunflower seed weevils. During the last two years, red sunflower seed weevil populations have been higher than normal with areas that exceeded the thresholds by as many as 300-500 adults per sunflower head.

sunflower field

An identification guide to Common Stem Diseases of Sunflower in South Dakota

A guide of common stem diseases in sunflowers in South Dakota

Green and yellow grasshopper with black chevron markings on hindlegs.

Should I Be Concerned About Grasshoppers When Planting Winter Wheat?

During 2019 we have received varying reports regarding grasshopper populations. Many reports have indicated that grasshopper numbers are down. However, we have also received reports of very large grasshopper populations in some areas of South Dakota. So why such a difference?

Black beetles with heads as wide as thorax on brown soybean pods.

Broad-Headed Bugs in Soybean: Should You Be Worried?

This week we received a report of insects infesting a soybean field. However, they weren’t insects that we generally think of when the term "soybean insect pests" comes up.

A stand of field peas mixed with small grains being grown for forage.

Peas Offer Options in 2020

Current events have made decisions around crop options very difficult this spring. Field peas are an option that may have a fit for some producers.

Brown moth with light markings present on a green leaf.

Western Bean Cutworm Moths Observed in South Dakota

Over the weekend, South Dakota experienced strong southerly winds, which brought warm temperatures to the state. In addition, these winds also brought insect pests north, which included moths of the western bean cutworm.

Green, teardrop shaped insects on a green leaf that has dark spots. Courtesy: Alton N. Spark Jr., University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.

Low-Level Aphid Populations Present in Wheat

Reports of aphid populations in wheat fields have been slowly increasing in the past week. Most of these populations are well below the economic threshold, but there is a potential for them to increase.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

It’s Time to Start Scouting for Red Sunflower Seed Weevils

In South Dakota, sunflower flowering is getting underway. That means it is time to start scouting fields for red sunflower seed weevils.

Green canola plants infested with false chinch bugs with dying leaves.

False Chinch Bugs Are Active in Canola

We have received reports of false chinch bug populations in canola this week. Heavily infested canola fields will sometimes appear drought stressed, but closer inspection reveals that false chinch bugs are the culprits for the wilting plants.

Green and yellow grasshopper resting on a head of wheat.

Grasshoppers Are Causing Concerns in Close-to-Harvest Winter Wheat

During the end of last week, we received reports of grasshoppers feeding on winter wheat that was close to being ready to harvest. One of the questions with the report was, “What insecticide can be sprayed that won’t delay harvest?”