Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Close-up of a grass lawn during drought

Lawn Care During a Drought

Maintaining a lawn during a drought takes a bit more care than usual. Learn some helpful tips to keep turf healthy during the worst periods of any extended dry spell.

A group of people stand in a field with a combine in the background

South Dakota State University Northeast Research Farm to host Field Day on July 13

June 21, 2023

The South Dakota State University Northeast Research Farm Field Day will be held on July 13 at 4 p.m. and will run until dusk.

Plant Profiles: Palmer Amaranth, Waterhemp, and Pigweed.

Vegetative Identification of Palmer Amaranth, Waterhemp, and Redroot Pigweed

Palmer amaranth is a non-native weed sharing common characteristics with waterhemp and redroot pigweed. Learn how to identify all three of these aggressive weeds before they become an issue in your fields this growing season.

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

June 20 Was the Last Day to Apply Dicamba Postemergence in Dicamba-Tolerant Soybean in South Dakota

The cutoff date to apply dicamba postemergence was June 20, 2023. Eric Jones, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Weed Management Specialist, shares some important updates now that the deadline has passed.

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens Trial Report aids in flower selection

June 20, 2023

The 2022 McCrory Gardens Trial Report, issued this spring by South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens, helps South Dakotans choose flower varieties that do well in local conditions.

A man with a microphone speaks to a small group of people standing in a field under a blue tent.

South Dakota State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm hosts Field Day on June 29

June 16, 2023

South Dakota State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF) will host its annual field day on June 29, 2023. The field day will begin at 3:00 PM (CST) and run until dark.

Patch of phlox with white, speckles throughout the leaves due to spider mite feeding.

Spider Mites on Garden Phlox

During warm, dry weather, spider mites are a common pest of phlox, causing speckling, bronzing, and yellowing on leaves due to feeding behavior. Learn how to identify and manage infestations before they impact your garden.

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

True Armyworm Caterpillars Found in South Dakota

Although true armyworms can feed on numerous crops, they are primarily an issue for corn and wheat. True armyworm caterpillars feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation when large populations are present.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa leaf.

Blister Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

A common pest of alfalfa, blister beetles pose serious health risks to livestock if their bodies are consumed along with alfalfa bales. Learn some important considerations for identifying and managing blister beetles before harvesting alfalfa this growing season.

Greenish brown bugs on a white sweep net cloth.

Alfalfa Plant Bugs Showing Up in Abundance

Several insect pests have been showing up early in alfalfa this season, including the alfalfa plant bug. Learn how to identify, scout, and manage this pest before it impacts your alfalfa yields.