Plants or Crops

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Striped cucumber beetle and spotted cucumber beetle.

Striped Cucumber Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

South Dakota is home to two species of cucumber beetles that can cause severe injury to cucurbits, including squash, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins. Learn how to detect and manage both beetles before they impact your harvest.

Squash vine borer moth on plant.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimate: June 16, 2023

Squash vine borer moths will soon emerge across much of South Dakota, and their larva can cause serious damage to squash plants. See our latest activity predictions and management recommendations based on forecasted conditions from around the state.

Brown slug on a green leaf leaving behind a whitish trail of slime.

Slugs: The Slimy Defoliators

Have you noticed defoliation in your garden accompanied by distinct trails on plant leaves? The culprit could be slugs, a common pest that can be found during during cool, wet weather and in certain garden micro-climates.

Red sunflower seed weevil adult.

Malathion: Emergency crisis exemption for red sunflower seed weevil in South Dakota from Aug. 16-31

An emergency crisis exemption for Malathion has been approved for red sunflower seed weevil control in sunflowers in South Dakota from August 16-31, 2023. Learn everything you need to know before applying it to sunflower crops before the deadline.

Leafy spurge growing along the edge of a field.

Leafy Spurge Control in the Fall

Leafy spurge is a difficult-to-control, noxious weed in South Dakota. Spring and fall herbicide applications are critical for leafy spurge management.

Canada thistle growing along field’s edge.

Canada Thistle Control in the Fall

Canada thistle begins to transport assimilates and nutrients down its roots in the fall to survive the winter months. Now is the time to consider a fall herbicide application to keep it under control.

Absinth wormwood growing in a field.

Absinth Wormwood Control in the Fall

Absinth wormwood is a difficult-to-control, noxious weed in South Dakota. Now is the time to consider fall applications for absinth wormwood control.

A group of people rides on a trailer through the Northeast Research Farm

Summer field days showcase South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station sites

August 25, 2023

Each summer, the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station system showcases its research stations with field days. The days include guided tours of each facility and presentations from SDSU and SDSU Extension researchers. Producers, industry professionals and members of the general public can see how winter wheat varieties are tested, or take a trip through a high tunnel.

a shrub-like plant green leaves and dark purple, grape-like fruit

Fruit Variety Recommendations for South Dakota

Fruit variety recommendations for home fruit growers in South Dakota

Yellow toadflax in the reproductive-flowering stage.

Yellow Toadflax Control

Yellow toadflax is a short-lived perennial plant that infests pasture and rangeland. If not controlled, it can displace native plant species and increase the potential for soil erosion. Learn some tactics for managing it.