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Eight green beetles in a row in the top half of the image and a row of seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom half of the image.

Corn Rootworm Egg Hatch Estimates

Corn rootworms overwinter in the soil as eggs and hatch in the spring when enough soil degree days have been accumulated. Based on soil degree day accumulations, most of South Dakota has reached 50% corn rootworm egg hatch.

Orange and metallic green moth resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borers Ramping up in South Dakota

Last week squash vine borer moths were observed in South Dakota. For this reason, it is important to scout for the moths as well as eggs on the stems of zucchini, squash, pumpkins and related produce.

Cowpea Aphids Infesting Alfalfa

Typically, we worry about pea aphids in alfalfa. However, we noticed that cowpea aphids were present on alfalfa this week. If left unmanaged, cowpea aphids can stunt alfalfa, reduce yields and even kill the plants during severe infestations.

Two mites. From left: Green leaf with two yellow spider mites with dark spots. Green leaf with yellow spider mite.

Spider Mites Reported in South Dakota Crops

With drought conditions continuing in South Dakota, it isn’t surprising that two-spotted spider mite infestations are being reported throughout the state. With hot temperatures in the forecast and limited chances for precipitation, we can expect spider mite populations to thrive in infested fields.

Small, pale-green leafhopper on a green alfalfa leaf.

Start Scouting for Potato Leafhoppers in Alfalfa

Potato leafhoppers are a migratory pest that commonly impact alfalfa fields throughout South Dakota. They cannot tolerate our cold winter temperatures, so they travel up from the southern United States each spring.

Wheat head with a green aphid, aphid mummies and a parasitized aphid.

English Grain Aphids Observed in Wheat

Reports of aphid populations in wheat fields have been slowly increasing in the past week. Most of these populations are well below the economic threshold, but there is a potential for them to increase.

Several young swine in a feeding facility.

Branched Chain Amino Acids Levels in Swine Diets Containing Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles

Incorporation of dried distillers grains with solubles in swine diets above 20% can negatively impact growth performance of pigs. An imbalance in the branched chain amino acids, specifically excess leucine, is one potential explanation of this decrease in performance.

Green and brown grasshoppers on the leaves of a sunflower plant.

Grasshoppers Already Moving Into Sunflower Fields

With grassland food sources being depleted earlier than usual due to drought, grasshoppers are moving into nearby crops in search of vegetation. In parts of western South Dakota, grasshopper nymphs have already been observed feeding on young sunflower plants.

Group of community members attending a fitness class.

Community Wellness Coalitions

Community wellness coalitions bring together community-based organizations, stakeholders and wellness experts to identify and address wellness challenges.

Cream-colored moth with a dark brown band in the middle of its body.

It’s Time To Start Scouting For Banded Sunflower Moths

Sunflowers throughout South Dakota are quickly approaching the R3 growth stage, which means it’s time to start scouting for banded sunflower moths. Banded sunflower moths are capable of reducing yields due to their caterpillars feeding on the bracts, florets and seeds.