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Left: Fireweed growing in a clearing. Right: Purple loosestrife growing in a meadow.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Fireweed and Purple Loosestrife?

Fireweed and purple loosestrife are often confused with one another due to their similar appearances, but the two plants have dramatically different impacts on the environment. Learn some key characteristics to help tell them apart.

Two scans of older SDSU Extension publications from 1949 and 1959.

Revisiting Old Lessons in Corn Weed Management: 2,4-D and dicamba

What can past herbicide programs teach us about managing against herbicide-resistant weeds in corn today?

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

Keep an Eye on Your Wheat: True Armyworm caterpillars may be present

Every year, true armyworm caterpillars pose a threat to South Dakota wheat fields, and they most frequently show up during the end of June and early July. However, strong southerly winds during the spring can cause populations to show up earlier.

Full plant profiles: Golden alexander and wild parsnip.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Golden Alexander and Wild Parsnip?

Golden alexander (Zizia aurea) is a striking native plant in South Dakota. However, another plant in this region often mistaken for golden alexander does not belong here and contains a harmful toxin.

Rose rust disease symptoms on the tops and bottoms of leaves.

Rose Rust

Common rust of roses is a fungal disease that is found throughout the United States. While hot and dry summers limit the prevalence of the disease, it surfaces when weather conditions are cool and wet.

A large group of youth in matching blue and yellow shirts pose. They are holding a South Dakota flag in front of them

SD team ties for 2nd at 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships

July 19, 2024

Thirty-five youth representing South Dakota State University Extension 4-H competed at the national championships from June 24-28 in Grand Island, Nebraska. The annual competition drew 708 youth from 40 states to demonstrate their abilities in archery and shooting across multiple disciplines.

Green alfalfa leaves turning yellow because of potato leafhopper feeding.

Potato Leafhoppers Becoming Prevalent

Potato leafhoppers are a migratory pest that impact South Dakota alfalfa each year. At this point in the growing season, they have become established and are now causing widespread issues.

Left Mosquito specimen with dark coloration. Right: Mosquito specimen with white band on its proboscis.

Mosquitos to Watch for in South Dakota

After many areas in South Dakota experienced heavy rainfalls, mosquitos are now a major issue. Learn which species are most common throughout the state and which carry the highest risk for West Nile Virus.

A large white flower with green leaves

Night-Blooming Flowers and Host Plants for Moths

Moths are fascinating creatures, and they are also important pollinators. Learn about a variety of night-blooming flowers and native host plants that can attract these beneficial insects to your yard and garden.

Green beetles feeding on the tip of a corn ear.

Monitor Your Corn for Corn Rootworm Adults to Inform Management for Next Year and to Avoid Substantial Silk Feeding

Corn rootworm adults are active across South Dakota, and as a reminder, it’s a good time to scout to determine if your fields have a rootworm issue.