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Dectes Stem Borer in South Dakota Soybeans

Fact sheet on Dectes stem borer in South Dakota soybeans

Prairie pasque flowers blooming in early spring.

Native Plant Resources for South Dakota

As we continue to see the benefits of growing native plants in cultivated landscapes, finding the right plant for the right place requires the right resources. Learn about some available native plant sources, educational materials, and organizations serving our region.

Multiple d-shaped holes are shown on a tree trunk

SDSU Extension to host emerald ash borer meetings

June 25, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host public meetings about the emerald ash borer in Watertown and Milbank following the insect’s discovery in those communities.

Example of a small-scale hydroponic growing system growing different varieties of herbs and lettuce

Harvesting the Future: Your Guide to Growing Fresh, Year-Round Produce with Small-scale Hydroponic Production Systems

Fact sheet on small-scale hydroponic production systems

Left: Kochia growing abundantly in an untreated soybean field. Right: Kochia weeds burned down in a soybean field managed with an herbicide mixture.

Glufosinate + lactofen is likely an effective mixture to manage kochia postemergence in soybean

Kochia is a difficult to manage weed that infests crops across South Dakota. Mixing effective herbicides is a tactic that can reduce selection pressure on resistant weeds and increase the effectiveness of weed management.

Gardener inspecting soil in a backyard garden plot.

Are Cheap Home Garden Soil Test Kits Accurate?

Inexpensive soil test kits are a method available for gardeners available to estimate soil pH and the level of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium present in the soil.

Base of soybean stem with orange larvae present under the epidermis.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. Scouting for fields with infestations may explain wilting or dying soybean along field edges.

Green waterhemp plant next to a black, ink pen. Green soybeans in the background with brown soil in the foreground.

Waterhemp is flowering. No seeds present yet.

Waterhemp is one of the most-difficult weeds to manage in South Dakota row crops. While herbicide resistance is a great factor in the difficulty of managing this weed, the biology of the species plays an important role as well.

Blue container with lid visible that has a label indicating it is only for pesticide contaminated clothing/PPE.

How to Properly Launder Pesticide Contaminated Clothing

Many types of personal protective equipment are intended for single use only and should be discarded after use, but how do you wash reusable equipment and clothing contaminated with pesticide residue?

Cream colored larvae on white and green soybean stem on brown dirt.

Dectes Stem Borer Adults Are Active in Soybean: 2025 Management Recommendations

Dectes stem borer adults have been collected from soybean in Southeastern South Dakota. The larvae of this pest are capable of reducing soybean yields by 10-15% due to tunneling activity in the main stem. Learn some tips for scouting and managing them this season.