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Two children work in a garden bed while off to the right a women speaks to a small group of children

Apply now for the SDSU Extension Master Gardener and Home Horticulture course

February 12, 2024

Applications are now being accepted for the South Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener and Home Horticulture training course. Applications are due March 10, 2024.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 28, 2022

Although spring temperatures have fluctuated, we have been accumulating degree days, which means some of insect pests will emerge soon. With warmer temperatures in the upcoming forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevil activity will increase.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 27, 2021

Alfalfa weevil activity is still being reported across much of the state. Although the degree day estimates for South Dakota indicate that much of the state has populations that are pupating, these estimates are not accurate. Scouting should continue throughout South Dakota.

Canola leaves with irregular holes.

Flea Beetles Still Feeding in Canola

Large populations of flea beetle adults have been observed on canola this week. In one field we scouted, flea beetle populations were large and causing significant amounts of defoliation.

A beetle with an orange head.

Zonitis Bilineata on Sunflowers

While scouting sunflower last week we noticed beetles that were present throughout the field on the developing buds. These beetles weren’t feeding on the buds or the bracts that they were often on. So, what were they doing on the sunflowers?

Two adult wasps side-by-side. The left is black and yellow and is resting on a green leaf. The right is black, yellow and burnt orange in color and is resting on a piece of wood.

Wasp Activity Is Ramping Up

With their distinctive black and yellow stripes and tendency to hang out in groups, wasps receive attention no matter the time of year. As the weather warms up and spring progresses, you may notice more wasp activity in your yard or around your house.

Numerous grayish-brown bugs gathering on a green stem.

False Chinch Bugs Back Again

False chinch bugs are active yet again in South Dakota. Although they are normally only a nuisance pest, their populations can become magnified during cool, wet springs.

Numerous small holes on a green tomato leaf.

What’s Causing the Tiny Holes on My Tomato Leaves?

Flea beetles are once again causing issues for gardeners across South Dakota. These herbivorous beetles can be a pest of many different garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash and lettuce.

SDSU Extension encourages attending SD Cattlemen’s feedlot tours on July 20

June 27, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is inviting cattle producers, allied industry professionals or anyone interested in feeding cattle to attend the annual South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association Feeder Council feedlot tour on July 20 near Baltic, South Dakota.

Wheat plants infected with wheat streak mosaic virus.

Volunteer Wheat and Kochia Management With Herbicides Will Likely Require Two Passes

Wheat curl mites, which carry wheat streak mosaic virus, use volunteer wheat and grass weeds as secondary hosts to infest recently planted winter wheat crops. Therefore, effective management of these plants before winter wheat planting is critical.