Plants or Crops

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Harvested crop field with deep soil ruts left by equipment tires.

How to Avoid Soil Compaction During Crop Harvest

Soil compaction can degrade soil health and lead to reduced crop yields. Learn some production practices that can implemented during harvest to avoid soil compaction.

Bright green, smooth Hosta leaves, and ferny foliage with bright red peony flowers in a garden.

Garden and Yard Newsletter Archive

View an archive of the articles featured in the Garden and Yard Newsletter.

Closeup of a set M-44 device.

Private Applicator Endorsements for M-44 Devices, Fumigants, and Aerial Applications

Recent changes to South Dakota private applicator pesticide regulations have impacted the requirements to use M-44 predator-control devices, fumigants, and to apply pesticides from aerial vehicles.

Rye growing in in a no-till field.

Effects of Different Cereal Rye and Winter Camelina Seeding Rates on Biomass Production and Soil Properties When Broadcast Seeded

Benefits to soil health generally increase as cover crop biomass production increases. Recent research sought to determine how the seeding rate of two cover crop species and mixtures affected biomass production and some soil health indicators.

People stand in a field listening to a person speak

SDSU Extension programs help producers maintain healthy crops

August 26, 2025

Madalyn Shires puts on a lot of miles in the summer. As an assistant professor and SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Specialist, Shires traverses the state visiting research plots and educating crop producers on that research.

Coneflower with Aster yellows disease.

Aster Yellows Phytoplasma

Aster yellows is a phytoplasmal disease carried and introduced by aster leafhopper. It is known to infect over 80 different plant families, as the aster leafhopper has extremely broad feeding habits.

A woman with white hair bends down to check a rose plant

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens to feature rose trial tour and program

August 22, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens are pleased to feature the ongoing rose garden trials and research during a special event on Aug. 25, 2025, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

A field of green winter wheat.

Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results

The Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results are crop performance testing data from various locations across South Dakota.

Small moth with orange, black, and white markings.

Monitor Soybean for Soybean Tentiform Leafminer

In 2022, researchers detected soybean tentiform leafminer in McCook, Minnehaha, and Moody counties in South Dakota. The extent of the distribution of this pest in South Dakota is unknown and is currently being investigated.

Western bean cutworm caterpillar on corn.

Western Bean Cutworms Detected in South Dakota Corn

Western bean cutworm caterpillars have been reported in South Dakota corn. This pest can cause yield loss by feeding on the tassels, silks, and ears. In addition, ear feeding activities increase the likelihood of secondary diseases and mold growth on the ear.