Plants or Crops

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

Is it Time to Spray Red Sunflower Seed Weevils?

Red sunflower seed weevil adult activity is well underway on sunflowers in South Dakota. Even though the red sunflower seed weevil numbers are down, we are still observing populations in South Dakota that are above threshold.

Corn leaf samples with Southern Rust and Tar Spot.

Corn Diseases in South Dakota Update

Several South Dakota counties have confirmed positive cases of Southern Rust and Tar Spot this growing season. See our latest recommendations for dealing with these diseases before they become a problem.

Green wheat leaves with yellow streaks throughout.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Complex: Breaking the Green Bridge

As wheat harvest proceeds, it won’t be long until winter wheat planting is underway in South Dakota. To effectively reduce wheat streak mosaic virus, it is important to manage the green bridge effect to slow spread of disease in newly emerging wheat fields.

Wheat plants infected with wheat streak mosaic virus.

Volunteer Wheat and Kochia Management With Herbicides Will Likely Require Two Passes

Wheat curl mites, which carry wheat streak mosaic virus, use volunteer wheat and grass weeds as secondary hosts to infest recently planted winter wheat crops. Therefore, effective management of these plants before winter wheat planting is critical.

Combine harvesting wheat.

Weed Management After Wheat Harvest

Most of the winter wheat has been harvested in South Dakota and spring wheat harvest is underway. While the growing season is over for the wheat, post-harvest weed management is important to minimize the amount of weeds that are present in the spring

Multiple grasshoppers feeding on a corn ear.

Grasshopper Populations Continue to Cause Issues in South Dakota

Recent reports of crop loss along field edges indicate that grasshopper populations in some areas of South Dakota are well above threshold. Unfortunately, crops are often the target of these moving populations.

A soybean leaf infested with numerous soybean aphids.

Soybean Aphids Exceeding Thresholds in Some Parts of South Dakota

There have been a few fields this week that were infested with soybean aphids that are getting closer to threshold. We have also received reports of insecticides being applied to manage soybean aphids in South Dakota.

variety of flowers growing in a yard

Flowers & Ornamental

Everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of flowers and ornamental plants with some simple recommendations.

Green plant leaf with several small, black beetles on it.

SDSU Extension welcomes new plant pathologist

August 12, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Cody Molnar as a new Horticulture Plant Pathology Field Specialist.

Organic cabbage and sweet corn plants at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

SDSU Extension welcomes new specialty crop expert

August 12, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Nick Volesky as a new Horticulture and Specialty Crop Field Specialist.