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Soybean leaves with small, white lesions with red-to-purple halos throughout.

Frogeye Leaf Spot Developing in Soybeans

Frogeye leaf spot, also known as Cercospora leaf spot, was found in several soybean fields scouted the week of August 19, 2019. Frogeye leaf spot is characterized by irregular to circular lesions, which are tan-to-gray in color with reddish-purplish borders.

Symptoms of three emerging sunflower diseases. From the left: Bacterial Stem Rot, Sclerotinia Basal Rot, and Sunflower Rust.

Bacterial Stem Rot, Sclerotinia Basal Rot and Sunflower Rust Developing in Sunflower

Sunflower scouted this week in Brookings and Kingsbury counties were found with bacterial stem rot, Sclerotinia basal rot and sunflower rust. This area has had plenty of moisture, which favors several diseases to develop in sunflower.

Gardener in red rain boots standing in a wet yard.

Preparing and Planting a Garden in a Cold, Wet Spring

Wet, cool springs present ideal conditions for soil and plant issues. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing some of the most-common problems in soggy gardens.

A companion planting of kale, pole beans, and marigolds in a small garden plot.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Integrated pest management is an environmentally conscious approach to managing insects, weeds and disease. By focusing on natural processes, growers use pest control methods beginning with the least toxic and amplifying the pest control needs gradually if problems persist.

Green blades of rye growing amongst brown corn stalks.

Cereal Rye Cover Crop Between Corn and Soybean

Interest in cover crops has increased in recent times. Cereal rye has been a cover crop of choice among corn and soybean growers in South Dakota due to its superior tolerance to cold temperatures and ability to overwinter in a Northern climate.

An apple sliced in half revealing a ripe core and brown seeds.

Picking and Storing Apples and Pears

Apples and pears are rewarding fruit to grow. Picking them at the right time and storing then under the proper conditions will enhance their flavor and help them last into the fall and winter.

An identification guide to Common Stem Diseases of Sunflower in South Dakota

A guide of common stem diseases in sunflowers in South Dakota

An orange beetle with black spots and a white head sitting on a green leaf

Lady Beetles of South Dakota

A guide for monitoring, properly identify, and promoting the growth of lady beetles.

Soybean plant with with yellow-chlorotic blotches between leaf veins and noticable browning due to sudden death syndrome.

Sudden Death Syndrome Starting to Develop in Soybeans

Sudden death syndrome of soybean is starting to develop in soybean fields in South Dakota. Fields currently being found with sudden death syndrome have symptomatic plants scattered within the field, but continued disease development may lead to larger clusters of infected plants.

Three common potato issues. From left: Potato scab, knobbing and cracking, and hollow heart.

What’s Wrong With My Potato?

We are accustomed to perfect-looking potatoes from the grocery store, but sometimes our homegrown tubers don’t meet that same standard. Following are a couple of common problems home gardeners may contend with.