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Three grassland insects. From left: white grub, dung beetles and Dakota Skipper Butterfly.

Rangeland Insects Are Critical Indicators of System Health

Insects, in general, may offer more indication of rangeland health than any other type of organism. They serve as key building blocks that other organisms depend on.

Yellow wireworm on an orange sweet potato.

Wireworms in the Garden

With warming soil temperatures, overwintering wireworms have become active throughout South Dakota. Wireworms are soil-dwelling insects that can be pests of germinating seeds, seedlings and root crops.

a strand of oats in a field

2020 Plant Disease Summaries for Small Grains

A number of field trials were implemented in the 2020 growing season with the general objective of assessing various disease management practices suitable for South Dakota growers and the Great Plains.

Black beetles with orange or yellow spots feeding on a ripe tomato.

How Do I Keep Insects From Destroying My Garden Produce?

It is not unusual to see insects in a garden during the fall, but it can be frustrating to watch nearly ripe produce be destroyed by insects before it can be picked.

Field with purple flax flowers

Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops after Wheat

Fact sheet about herbicide residual effect on cover crops after wheat.

a grub on a tree branch that has the bark pealed off

Sioux Falls to Host Emerald Ash Borer Tree Injection Workshop

April 21, 2021

As the season for emerald ash borer treatments nears in South Dakota, state forestry experts want applicators in the Sioux Falls area to be prepared.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 22, 2021

It was another cool week without a lot of degree day accumulations. With warmer temperatures in the upcoming forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevil activity will increase.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: April 22, 2021

In its early vegetative growth stages, corn is susceptible to feeding by the common stalk borer. The hatching and movement of common stalk borer caterpillars can be estimated by using degree days.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 29, 2021

With another warmer week in the forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevils continues. Based on current degree day accumulations, overwintering alfalfa weevil adult activity is likely throughout all of South Dakota.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: April 29, 2021

As temperatures continue to warm up, degree days are beginning to accumulate a little faster for common stalk borers. Most of South Dakota is still between conditions approaching egg hatch and egg hatch occurring.