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Noxious Weeds of South Dakota

Pictorial reference guide of noxious weeds in South Dakota

Secchi disk being used to measure lake transparency.

The Trophic State Index is a means for lake professionals and volunteers alike to numerically measure the productivity of a natural lake or man-made reservoir. Learn how it's used in South Dakota to survey the condition of our water resources.

Storm water rushing down a street gutter.

South Dakota Water and Community Symposium to be Held July 26

July 22, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a one-day South Dakota Water and Community Symposium on Tuesday, July 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. CDT at the Raven Precision Agriculture Center on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings.

Three bean leaf beetles. From Left: Brown beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Yellow beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Red beetle with black spots on a green leaf.

Bean Leaf Beetles Showing Up in Soybean

Despite the prediction of low overwintering survival we have observed bean leaf beetles in soybean this week. See our latest observations and management recommendations.

Wheat Seed Testing, Pure Live Seed, and Seeding Rates

To legally sell wheat seed in South Dakota, a standard test—following Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) seed testing protocols, for germination, purity, and noxious weeds—is required. This standard analysis, plus a seed count provides information needed to determine the seeding rate.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota Soybean

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although the infestations probably won’t result in plant death in many fields in 2022, the infestations could be a source for soybean gall midge adults in 2023.

Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, soybean stem with pink flower.

Soybean Aphids Active in South Dakota

Soybean aphid populations have been observed in South Dakota. Although populations are still very small and not widely dispersed, it is a good reminder that soybean aphid scouting should occur throughout the growing season.

Black beetle with a red head on soybean leaf.

Redheaded Flea Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

Redheaded flea beetles are now active in soybean. Although they haven’t caused significant defoliation yet, their activity should be monitored, as other defoliating insects are also present in soybean.

A reddish black fly with beaded antennae resting on a plant.

Hessian Fly: Preventing Outbreaks in Wheat

Hessian flies (Mayetiola destructor) are tiny, gnat-like flies. Their larvae are considered serious pests of wheat and occasional pests of barley and rye.

Dark green and tan curled caterpillars with an orange stripe along their sides.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Observed in South Dakota Wheat

Wheat harvest is underway in South Dakota, and one of our seemingly annual pests has been observed in wheat fields. While scouting last week, we observed small populations of true armyworms in wheat in Northeastern South Dakota.