Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Sun rises over a frost-dusted pasture.

Last Spring Frost Dates

Knowing the historical last spring frost dates for your area helps growers avoid the risk of frost damage for above-ground vegetation, whether it's for agriculture or horticulture.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

Dicamba Label Vacated: What are the implications for weed control in soybean?

The dicamba labels (Xtendimax, Engenia, and Tavium) have recently been vacated, which effectively means these products cannot be applied over-the-top of tolerant soybeans. Learn some important considerations for soybean weed control in the upcoming growing season.

Kochia plants growing in a field.

Kochia Preplant Burndown Management for 2024

Kochia is a weed that impacts many South Dakota crops, and it can reduce yields significantly if not properly managed. Learn some expert tips using chemical, cultural, and mechanical tactics to control it.

Two children work in a garden bed while off to the right a women speaks to a small group of children

Apply now for the SDSU Extension Master Gardener and Home Horticulture course

February 12, 2024

Applications are now being accepted for the South Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener and Home Horticulture training course. Applications are due March 10, 2024.

Alternaria leaf spot symptoms appearing as brown, haloed cankers throughout the leaves of a cucurbit plant.

Cucurbit Diseases in South Dakota

Cucurbit crops grown in both the field and in high tunnels face disease pressure from many fungal and bacterial diseases. Learn how to identify and manage some of the most common ones.

Two side-by-side images of soybeans at different growth stages. Left: Growth stage. Right: Near harvest.

Soybean Physiology: Reproductive Stages

As soybean fields in the region are rapidly heading towards maturity, we will discuss soybean reproductive stages in this article.

Maturing wheat field with lodged plants.

Hessian Fly Pupae Detected in Central South Dakota

Recent reports of lodged wheat in central South Dakota revealed Hessian fly pupae in the lodged plants. Learn how to identify and manage this pest before it impacts your wheat harvest.

Emerging soybean seedlings with chilling injury.

Chilling Injury

Concerned about row crop emergence due to cool spring weather? Learn what crops are most vulnerable to chilling injury and how you can mitigate risk during spring planting.

Drought-stressed corn field.

Drought and Heat Effects on Corn Production

Nearly every season in South Dakota there are periods of hot, dry weather in at least parts of the state. While we have no control over the weather, producers can prepare for drought stress by using proactive practices.

Oat leaves covered in orange pustules.

Crown Rust of Oats

Crown rust continues to be the most economically damaging and important fungal diseases of oats in South Dakota. Learn how to recognize and manage it in oat fields this growing season.