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Healthy, South Dakota native grassland with a variety of plants and grasses growing.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Studies – McPherson, Deuel, Grant and Clark Counties

Even our best native pastures, rangelands and prairies suffer from at least some level of invasion. Within this reality lies a wide gradient of quality of native grasslands that is largely influenced by past and present management.

Aflafla field with light colored alfalfa mixed in with green alfalfa.

Why’s My Alfalfa Field Turning White?

There have been a lot of reports of alfalfa fields in South Dakota with a white or light-brown canopy. This discoloration is the result of extensive alfalfa weevil larvae feeding.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 3, 2021

It has been a busy week for alfalfa weevils. Throughout the state, alfalfa weevils have been causing significant feeding damage. We recommend scouting alfalfa fields for the next week and treating when necessary.

Green corn leaf with ragged holes through-out caused by common stalk borer feeding.

Common Stalk Borers Observed in South Dakota Corn

While scouting corn this week, clear signs of common stalk borers were observed. Although our degree day estimates indicate that common stalk borers probably aren’t moving into corn yet, they can be forced into corn fields in certain situations.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 3, 2021

We still haven’t reached the degree day accumulation levels to see common stalk borers moving into corn fields. However, if weeds and grass are sprayed out along field borders, there is a very high probability that they will be forced into corn early.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: June 3, 2021

We are currently between the second and third generation peak emergences in South Dakota. Seedcorn maggot management must be done before planting, or the populations can be avoided by not planting during times of peak emergence.

Yellow and black beetle on green soybean leaf.

Overwintering Population of Bean Leaf Beetles Are Active In Soybean

While scouting soybeans this week, extensive defoliation caused by bean leaf beetles was observed. Although insecticide seed treatments will reduce the threat of bean leaf beetle feeding during this time of the season, soybean fields should still be scouted.

Brown caterpillar with 3 pale stripes running the length of its body. The head is tan.

Bronzed Cutworms Are Active

Bronzed cutworms can damage turf by clipping blades of grass close to the soil surface. Feeding by bronzed cutworms in lawns will result in small, brown circular patches, and large populations can result in extensive lawn injury.

Brown insect with two pincher like appendages at the end of its body.

Earwigs Are Active

Although earwigs typically prefer wet conditions, quite a few have been observed so far this year. It’s important to remember that watering lawns or potted plants around the house provides ideal earwig habitat.

Series of trophies on display at a 4-H contest.

4-H

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, involving young people in urban, suburban and rural communities. 4-H fosters an innovative, “learn by doing” approach with proven results.