Plants or Crops
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Springtails Are Active in South Dakota
Recent reports of seemingly millions of very small insects moving around on driveways and around homes was the result of a springtail population boom. Springtails typically become a nuisance during drought conditions or saturating rains.
West Nile Virus Update: July 2, 2026
On June 15, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health released a press release that the first West Nile Virus positive pool of mosquitos was detected in Brown County. Although much of the state is still experiencing drought, recent heavy rains will promote already active mosquito populations.
Testing Forages for Nitrates
Free nitrate testing is available at various locations across the state. Nitrate testing strips are used to provide a semi-quantitative value of nitrate levels in forages. It allows producers to make decisions based on the presence or absence of nitrates and appropriate timing for cutting.
Gardening 101 Quick Links
A compilation of different SDSU Extension gardening resources to help you get started.
Clock tells the time of the day, not when the job is done. Is that true for weed management?
Common banter at the farm gate implies farmers work long days to get the job finished. However, weed management may improve if spraying stops at a particular time of day.
Alfalfa Should Be Scouted for Presence of the Palestriped Flea Beetle
Palestriped flea beetles have recently been observed in alfalfa fields in South Dakota. Large populations of palestriped flea beetles can cause rapid defoliation and stunt seedling alfalfa.
Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Active in South Dakota
Soybean gall midge larvae are active in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. The first symptoms of an infestation during this part of the season vary based on the size of the population within the plant.
Bean Leaf Beetles, a Vector of Bean Pod Mottle Virus, May Be Active in Soybean
Although we are predicting low overwintering survival of bean leaf beetles this year in South Dakota, scouting for this pest should still be conducted, as every year we still observe populations in soybean.
Keep an Eye Out for Cut Soybean Plants: A Sign of Dingy Cutworm Presence
Dingy cutworms have been observed in South Dakota no-till soybean fields. Their activity will likely continue for at least another couple of weeks.
Drought Stress in Wheat Leads to Increased Banks Grass Mite Activity
There have been reports of large populations of Banks grass mites in South Dakota wheat fields. Banks grass mite populations are more successful during hot, dry weather that also increases the susceptibility of wheat due to it being drought stressed.