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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.
Bees and Other Pollinators Visiting Sunflower
While insecticides are often necessary to reduce pest populations and prevent yield loss in sunflower, it is important to consider the impact they may have on beneficial insects, like bees and other native pollinators.
Sunflower Moths Active in South Dakota Sunflowers
We have received reports of sunflower moths present on early planted sunflowers this week. The observed sunflower moth populations are above the recommend threshold of an average of 1 to 2 moths per five heads.
White Mold and Sudden Death Syndrome Starting to Develop
White mold and sudden death syndrome are starting to develop in a number of soybean fields. These two diseases develop starting at the soybean flowering growth stage and can occur throughout the rest of the soybean growing season.
Huge Wasps on My Tree! No, Those Still Aren’t Murder Hornets.
Another insect that has been mistaken for the Asian giant hornet (also known by its media-popularized name of ‘murder hornet’) is the horntail wasp. Horntail wasps are wood-boring insects that are harmless to humans, as they do not have venom and cannot sting.
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
Grasshoppers May Be an Issue for Winter Wheat This Fall
We have recently observed large populations of grasshoppers in Southeast and Western South Dakota. Due to their destructive feeding habits, it is very important to monitor their populations prior to and during winter wheat planting.
Orange Beetles Are Killing My Flowers, or Are They?
Many gardens are being invaded by orange beetles that have a strong preference for flowering plants. Rest assured, these are soldier beetles and they aren’t feeding on the flowers! Instead, they are actually predators and pollinators.
Are Your Pepper Plants Covered With Aphids?
During this time of the growing season, it is common to observe aphids on garden plants, including peppers. However, when dense aphid populations are present, they can reduce pepper yields and cause rapid plant health decline.
Asparagus Beetles Active in South Dakota
Two insects that we recommend scouting for in asparagus are the common asparagus beetle and the twelve-spotted asparagus beetle. Learn how to identify and manage both before they cause serious issues in your garden.