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Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Meadow, lygus, and alfalfa plant bug adults.

Plant Bugs Active in Alfalfa

Plant bugs are active in alfalfa fields across the state. A common question we receive from producers is why some of these bugs look so different from others.

Eight green beetles in the top portion of the image and seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom portion of the image.

Corn Rootworm Adults Are Active in South Dakota

We have been observing a lot of corn rootworm adults in South Dakota. The emergence of these primarily underground pests can provide insight into field population levels and the potential for future root injury.

Dark green and tan curled caterpillars with an orange stripe along their sides.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Observed in South Dakota Wheat

Wheat harvest is underway in South Dakota, and one of our seemingly annual pests has been observed in wheat fields. While scouting last week, we observed small populations of true armyworms in wheat in Northeastern South Dakota.

Small red and black larvae feeding on the green leaves of a potato plant.

What Is Eating the Leaves on My Potato Plants?

Colorado potato beetles are currently active in South Dakota. These beetles are a major pest of potatoes and other members of the nightshade family, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

Black beetle with a red head on soybean leaf.

Redheaded Flea Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

Redheaded flea beetles are now active in soybean. Although they haven’t caused significant defoliation yet, their activity should be monitored, as other defoliating insects are also present in soybean.

Small, white moth with a pattern of brown stripes on the wings.

Sod Webworms Causing Issues in Stressed Lawns

Sod webworm moths have been very active during the last couple of weeks. These small moths are an indicator of the potential for lawncare issues to come.

Dark colored caterpillar feeding on wheat head.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Spotted in South Dakota

While scouting this week we observed some very small true armyworm caterpillars. Every year these caterpillars pose a threat to wheat fields, and the best way to stay ahead of them is to start scouting before defoliation is done.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota Soybean

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although the infestations probably won’t result in plant death in many fields in 2022, the infestations could be a source for soybean gall midge adults in 2023.

A reddish black fly with beaded antennae resting on a plant.

Hessian Fly: Preventing Outbreaks in Wheat

Hessian flies (Mayetiola destructor) are tiny, gnat-like flies. Their larvae are considered serious pests of wheat and occasional pests of barley and rye.

Brown insect with two pincher like appendages at the end of its body.

An identification guide for Home and Building Arthropod Pests - Insects, Spiders and Other Invaders in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with identification and management of home and building arthropod pests (insects, spiders and other invaders).