Plants or Crops

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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.

Map of the location of the Precision Cover Crop Demonstration day

SDSU Extension to co-host Precision Cover Crop Demonstration Day on July 20

July 14, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will host a Precision Cover Crop Demonstration Day starting at 9 a.m. on July 20, 2023, near Brookings.

Left: Physiological leaf rolling. Right: C-shaped tomato leaves due to herbicide exposure.

Why Are My Tomato Leaves Curled Up?

Rolled up leaves on tomatoes are a common occurrence in South Dakota. From physiological responses to the environment to damaging herbicide exposure, learn about some of the common causes behind rolled tomato leaves.

Seven people stand at a distance in a green field. The sky is blue with a large cloud stretching across most of the horizon

The South Dakota State University West River Research Farm to host Field Day on July 11

July 07, 2023

The South Dakota State University West River Research Farm Tour will be held on July 11 near Sturgis, South Dakota, running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.