Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality: 2021-2022

Bean leaf beetle emergence is approaching, so it’s important to start thinking about this pest. Knowing the number of days that the air was cold enough for bean leaf beetle mortality allows us to estimate the emerging populations in the spring.

Caterpillar with brown and black stripes running down the length of its body. The caterpillar has a tan head and is feeding on green plant material.

Army Cutworms Are Active in South Dakota Wheat

Army cutworm caterpillar activity in winter wheat was detected a couple of weeks ago in South Dakota. Forecasted warmer temperatures will make conditions favorable for army cutworms to start feeding.

A sprawling sorghum field ready for harvest

An identification guide for Sorghum Insect Pests in South Dakota

Pictorial guide for common insect pests of sorghum in South Dakota.

A pasture containing a mixture of grasses and alfalfa.

An identification guide for Alfalfa Insect Pests in South Dakota

Pictorial guide for common insect pests of alfalfa in South Dakota

yellow-green grasshopper with black chevron markings on its hind leg sitting on a tan surface.

Grasshoppers May Be an Issue for Winter Wheat This Fall

We have recently observed large populations of grasshoppers in Southeast and Western South Dakota. Due to their destructive feeding habits, it is very important to monitor their populations prior to and during winter wheat planting.

Producers inspecting soil in a harvested wheat field.

Managing Cover Crops in Moisture Deficits

Planting cover crops after small grain harvest can be risky in central South Dakota. The decision to incorporate them into an annual cropping system should consider historical precipitation, soil water holding capacity, and soil moisture at time of planting.

Green soybeans with a few green weeds throughout.

The Value of a Preemergence Herbicide After a Dry Period During the Growing Season

Preemergence herbicides are an essential component of weed management, even when early season weather isn't cooperative. Learn about some of the benefits they can offer following a dry growing season.

Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, soybean stem with pink flower.

Soybean Aphids Are Active in South Dakota

Small populations of soybean aphids were recently identified while scouting soybean in the Volga and South Shore areas. This is a good reminder that scouting should be ongoing to ensure that populations do not exceed thresholds.

Base of soybean stem with small, translucent orange larvae present under the epidermis.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected This Season

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. While many infested fields are not showing obvious signs of infestation, there are some key indicators to look out for.

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 Emerging in South Dakota

It’s that time of the year when corn rootworms begin emerging in South Dakota. Learn some expert tips for monitoring populations in corn fields to determine if management is necessary.