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Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 5, 2022

Corn and soybean planted during cool conditions can be at risk for seedcorn maggot infestation. Stay ahead of infestations by viewing latest activity estimates from around the state.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: June 10, 2022

Although gardening is well underway in South Dakota, squash vine borers should not be an issue for at least another week. See our latest activity estimates based on conditions around the state.

Cluster of white to tan mushrooms emerging on lawn.

Managing Mushroom Growth in Home Lawns

While mushrooms can be fascinating to observe, their presence in your yard may indicate underlying issues that require attention. Learn some tips on how to effectively get rid of them and maintain a healthy, mushroom-free lawn.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 19, 2023

Forecasted weather conditions are ideal for alfalfa weevil activity, and early detection of feeding activity will prevent extensive defoliation.

Small soybean plants that have been cut and are laying on the ground. Curled up caterpillars are present near the plants.

Scout Soybean for Black Cutworm Activity

Typically, we are concerned with black cutworm activity in corn fields. However, 2020 has been anything but a typical year and we are instead concerned with black cutworm activity in soybean fields.

A bee pollinating a flower.

Pollinators Party

In this lesson, participants will learn how plants reproduce and how to identify pollinators that help plants.

Two rows of corn at V5 leaf growth stage looking down from above. Between the corn rows there are 3 separate cotton strips placed on the soil surface just before burial in a 2-inch-deep trench. The cotton strips are numbered for their identification after recovery at three different dates.

Cotton Strip Soil Test: Rapid Assessment of Soil Microbial Activity in the Field

Soil has always been considered as a living system due to its biological components: fungi, bacteria and plant roots. Under several ongoing research projects, we started researching how we can use ‘cotton strip assay’ to compare different cover crop mixes to optimize field soil activity and build up better soil health.

Green corn leaf with common stalk borer caterpillar within.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: June 6, 2019

It finally warmed up and the insects have definitely become more active. However, our calculations indicate that not enough degree days have been accumulated for common stalk borer activity to warrant any scouting, but spraying field edges should be avoided through most of South Dakota in the next week.

Green corn leaf with common stalk borer caterpillar within.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: May 23, 2019

Not too much is new regarding common stalk borer activity when compared to last week. Another cool, wet week has led to a limited accumulation of degree days. Based on our calculations, common stalk borer activity still doesn’t warrant any scouting. We will continue to monitor the degree days and provide updates.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 24, 2024

Degree day accumulations continue to estimate alfalfa weevil activity throughout South Dakota. Alfalfa weevil activity is likely greater in southern counties, but alfalfa should continue to be scouted statewide.