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Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 9, 2024

With the cool, wet start to the 2024 season, it is important to consider the possibility that seedcorn maggots could cause issues for crop seedlings

A green pasture with patches of bare soil under a blue sky containing several wispy white clouds.

Dying Patches in Your Pasture? Make Sure You Don’t Have White Grubs.

There have been an increasing number of reports of pastures with dead areas showing up this spring. A little digging into these areas has revealed that part of the problem is the presence of true white grubs, which are the larva of June beetles.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 8, 2024

No scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity based on current degree days. Across South Dakota, the young common stalk borer caterpillars are active in alternative weed and grass hosts.

a small cottage with a green door and weathered shingles

SDSU Extension, McCrory Gardens start summer 2024 programming with Garden Discovery Festival

May 14, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens will start its summer programming season with the Garden Discovery Festival on May 19, 2024.

Canada thistle growing in a pasture.

Current State of Noxious Weed Management in South Dakota

Results of an online survey to determine how South Dakota stakeholders are currently managing noxious weeds.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 16, 2024

South Dakota finally warmed up and as a result, alfalfa across the state should be scouted for alfalfa weevil larvae.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 16, 2024

Based on accumulated degree days, areas in southern South Dakota are approaching the peak emergence period for the second generation of seed corn maggots.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 16, 2024

Common stalk borer caterpillars are still active in grass and weeds along field edges. Based on recent degree day data throughout the state, no scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity in fields yet.

Top: Field pennycress leaves and seeds. Bottom: Shepherd’s purse leaves and seeds.

Early Season Prevalence of Field Pennycress and Shepherd’s Purse

Many fields that are planted to winter wheat or have yet to be tilled may have a healthy infestation of field pennycress or shepherd’s purse. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing these weeds before they become a problem this growing season.

Left: Alfalfa weevil larvae. Right: Alfalfa weevil adult.

It’s Time To Start Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils

This week, alfalfa weevil larvae have been spotted in the fields. Routine scouting is the best method to ensure that alfalfa isn’t heavily defiolated by this pest.