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Woody Weeds: Common Buckthorn
When considering weed control in tree plantings, the focus is generally placed on the control of herbaceous vegetation (grasses and forbs), particularly during the establishment phase. This focus is appropriate since control of herbaceous weeds is generally critical to establish a successful planting. As these plantings mature, providing perching sites for birds, another weed problem develops – the establishment of competing woody vegetation. These woody weeds are often left unchecked for many years because they look “natural” in a windbreak or other area of trees.
Cucumbers: How to Grow It
Some cucumber varieties form long vines that may ramble or be trellised. Others are bush types that fit more easily into a small garden or even a large container.
The Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Tool
The Fusarium head blight prediction tool, available through Penn State University and Mesonet at SDState, uses weather variables to predict the risk for Fusarium head blight in wheat.
Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on ‘Dry’ Hay
As haying season approaches, producers across South Dakota will begin preparing to get out the baler. In recent years, it has been quite difficult for many producers to put up quality, dry hay. This often results in growers considering using inoculants and hay preservatives.
What's That Vine?
One of the most frequently asked questions that I have gotten recently refers to a vining plant that looks like it is going to take over the world, or at least a few trees in the yard or a section of a shelterbelt.
Watch for Seedcorn Maggots in Emerging Soybean
Of all of the potential early season pests, the seedcorn maggot is rarely an issue in South Dakota. However, we have started receiving reports of soybean fields that have poor emergence or seedling stand reductions occurring.
South Dakota Department of Agriculture Suspends All Sales and Application of Dicamba Product
June 08, 2020
On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three Dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans.
UPDATE: The Environmental Protection Agency Provides Further Guidance Regarding the Previous Suspension of All Sales and Application of Dicamba Products
June 10, 2020
On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans.
False Chinch Bugs Back Again
False chinch bugs are active yet again in South Dakota. Although they are normally only a nuisance pest, their populations can become magnified during cool, wet springs.
A fly? A hornet? Nope, it’s a sawfly!
This spring, there have been multiple reports of people seeing large fly-like insects in their yards. These insects are sawflies, and all reports thus far have been the elm sawfly (Cimbex americana).