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Two, dark green aphids on a bright green leaf.

Low-Level Aphid Populations Present in Wheat

We are starting to receive reports of aphid populations in wheat fields throughout much of South Dakota. At this point in the season, weekly scouting is the best bet to monitor the populations.

Dark colored caterpillar with two distinct black lines on head capsule.

Dingy Cutworms Observed in South Dakota Crops

Dingy cutworms have been reported in South Dakota crops, and their activity is likely to continue for at least another couple of weeks.

A wheat stem sawfly with long antennae, smoky wings, and black and yellow coloration. The white bar indicates a scale of 2mm.

Wheat Stem Sawfly: An Overview

In recent years, the northwestern and north central regions of South Dakota have struggled with the presence of sawfly populations in wheat fields. Learn some tips for identifying and managing them in wheat.

A thin brown insect with two white spots on its side hoisting a yellow insect up with its mouthparts.

Biocontrol Agents: Brown Lacewings

With so many insect pests causing concern for both gardeners and farmers, it’s important to know which ones are on our side. In this article, we focus on the brown lacewing and the beneficial role it plays within the landscape.

Numerous small holes on a green tomato leaf.

What’s Causing the Tiny Holes on My Tomato Leaves?

Flea beetles are once again causing issues for gardeners across South Dakota. These herbivorous beetles can be a pest of many different garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash and lettuce.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: June 10, 2022

Although gardening is well underway in South Dakota, squash vine borers should not be an issue for at least another week. See our latest activity estimates based on conditions around the state.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 9, 2022

In some areas of South Dakota, we have reached enough degree days that common stalk borer caterpillars will begin moving into corn from weedy hosts along the edges of fields.

Multiple views of a green lacewing adult. The adult has a bright green body and large metallic eyes. The wings are translucent with green venation.

Green Lacewings: Beneficial Predators for Both Small and Large-Scale Landscapes

Many insect species are beneficial to landscapes, and some are even reared in large quantities to be released as biological control agents. In this article, we will focus on one of those insects, the green lacewing.

Bean leaf beetle feeding damage on young soybean plants.

Bean Leaf Beetles Active in South Dakota

Soybeans in South Dakota are being targeted by the overwintering population of bean leaf beetles. See our latest activity report from around the state, along with scouting and management recommendations.

Alfalfa weevil larvae and adult.

Alfalfa Weevil Larvae Are Active in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil larvae have been confirmed in alfalfa fields in South Dakota, which means it is time to start scouting fields more regularly. Learn some tips and consideration for scouting your fields.