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Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 29, 2021

With another warmer week in the forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevils continues. Based on current degree day accumulations, overwintering alfalfa weevil adult activity is likely throughout all of South Dakota.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 22, 2021

It was another cool week without a lot of degree day accumulations. With warmer temperatures in the upcoming forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevil activity will increase.

a grub on a tree branch that has the bark pealed off

Sioux Falls to Host Emerald Ash Borer Tree Injection Workshop

April 21, 2021

As the season for emerald ash borer treatments nears in South Dakota, state forestry experts want applicators in the Sioux Falls area to be prepared.

Cindy Jungman holding an award in front of an SDSU Extension Master Gardener Program banner.

Jungman Brightens Landscapes, Builds Lifelong Friendships

A Master Gardener for more than 20 years, Cindy Jungman says the continuous education the program offers has been valuable.

Tim Schreiner at his food preservation booth at the Vermillion Area Farmers Market.

Schreiner Turns Backyard Hobby Into Community Support

Whether volunteering as a Master Gardener or a Master Food Preserver, Tim Schreiner says the interaction with people and seeing that “light bulb” moment after a conversation is really the fun part of the programs.

Dirt patch in the center of a pasture caused by white grub feeding

Do You Have True White Grubs in Your Pasture or Rangeland?

Grub damage to pastures and rangeland is often observed in South Dakota. From past observations, some of the heaviest infestations in the state are located near the Missouri River.

Adult twospotted spider mites crawling on webbing that is attached to a leaf.

Dry Conditions Could Lead to Early Twospotted Spider Mite Infestations

Although it isn’t an insect, the twospotted spider mite is an occasional pest of crops in South Dakota, and its populations can rapidly increase during dry conditions.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 15, 2021

Due to the cooler temperatures, we didn’t accumulate a lot of degree days for alfalfa weevils during the last week. However, there are some areas in South Dakota where alfalfa weevils may be active.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 8, 2021

As the temperatures begin to warm up around South Dakota, it is important to remember that some insect pests are accumulating degree days. One of the insect pests that we use degree day models to monitor is the alfalfa weevil.

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

2021 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

Bean leaf beetle emergence is approaching, and it’s important to start thinking about this pest. Once soybean begin emerging, overwintering adult beetle populations will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on seedlings.