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Dense Seeding Can Reduce Canada Thistle in Planted Grasslands
Canada thistle is a common invader in grassland plantings. Over the past decade, researchers and land managers have experimented with controlling Canada thistle in planted grasslands through increasing competition from desirable plants.
What Are These Small White Insects in My Soybean Field?
During the last two weeks we have received reports of increasing numbers of small white insects present on soybean. The insects in question are whiteflies.
Identifying Red and Gray Sunflower Seed Weevils
When scouting sunflower, the most observed weevil is the red sunflower seed weevil. However, there are two species of seed weevils that can be present on sunflower heads in South Dakota.
It’s Time to Start Scouting for Red Sunflower Seed Weevils
In South Dakota, sunflower flowering is getting underway. That means it is time to start scouting fields for red sunflower seed weevils.
Sclerotinia Concerns in Sunflower
Sclerotinia diseases are a concern in sunflowers, because the fungus can infect the plant through the root, mid-stalk or the head. Wet weather and cool temperatures two-to-three weeks prior to and during flowering favor disease development.
Will Dectes Stem Borers Be an Issue in 2020?
Every year, there is a risk that sunflower in South Dakota will be infested by Dectes stem borer larvae. At this point in the season, adults are active, and females have likely been laying eggs in sunflower plants.
Watch Sunflowers for Grasshopper Defoliation and Flower Feeding
Grasshoppers continue to be an issue in some areas of South Dakota. The hotspots seem to be along the Missouri River, but it is a reminder that everyone should be monitoring their crops for grasshopper feeding.
Crazy Top Disease Developing in Corn
Crazy top disease was observed in a few fields in the Southeast counties in the state. This disease develops in corn that is flooded or under full water saturation when corn has not reached the four-to-five leaf stage.
Monitor Soybean for Redheaded Flea Beetle Feeding
An additional soybean defoliator to monitor this week is the redheaded flea beetle. Although these beetles are typically not a serious soybean pest, large populations can result in considerable defoliation.
Drought Stress or Stem Canker Killing Soybean Plants?
Several soybean fields scouted in a number of Eastern counties have plants dying or dropping leaves prematurely. While the majority of these fields have drought stress causing early senescence, a few fields have also stem canker developing