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Effects of Plant Growth Regulator in Oats
Plant growth regulators are human-applied chemicals that manipulate the hormone functions in plants. Learn how they can be used in oats to help reduce lodging and prevent yield loss.
A Case of Mistaken Caterpillar Identity
Tweets about European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) caterpillars in the stems of conventional corn and feeding in the whorls of corn are crossing my Twitter feed. Unfortunately, there is a problem with some of these tweets. Not all of the caterpillars that are being identified as European corn borer caterpillars are actually European corn borer caterpillars!
Dry Conditions Are Ideal for Spider Mite Activity
Several counties in South Dakota are experiencing dryer than normal conditions, therefore, it is important to monitor crops for spider mites, as they thrive during periods of dry weather.
Don’t Let Grasshoppers Decrease Your Yields
Throughout the 2023 growing season, grasshopper populations have been causing problems. Those problems aren’t over yet, and we won’t be able to stop monitoring grasshopper activity until the crops are harvested.
Monitor Canola Fields for False Chinch Bug Activity
While scouting canola this week, I came across a field that had plants along the edge that looked like they were suffering from drought stress, but given the recent rain I doubted that to be the case. Closer inspection of the stressed plants indicated that they were covered in false chinch bugs. Although false chinch bugs are not normally an issue in canola, very large populations do have the potential to reduce yield.
Do You Have To Defer Grazing on Winter Pastures?
How can ranchers improve profitability when feed typically represents well over half of cow-calf production costs? Grazing dormant winter range is a common practice to reduce costs in South Dakota. Grazing winter range when plants are completely dormant minimizes negative impacts on the function of the plant during the growing season. Separate pastures are typically designated for winter use only, often based on availability of winter shelter, water and access to stored feeds.
What is a Care Conversation?
Care conversations are a one-hour, no-cost conversation to discuss elder care or planning questions that you may have.
Managing and Protecting Grasslands for the Future
Grasslands are a valuable resource for South Dakota, and many of our core industries rely on the perpetuation of healthy grasslands for agriculture, recreation and tourism. Regardless of goals and objectives, many grassland landowners desire assistance with short and long-term grassland management goals.
How Well Will Pre-Emergence Herbicides Work in 2021?
It is always good to start with a pre-emergence program to prevent weeds from becoming resistant. With the spring starting out below normal in subsoil, there are questions as to how well preemergent herbicides will work.
Drought Stress or Stem Canker Killing Soybean Plants?
Several soybean fields scouted in a number of Eastern counties have plants dying or dropping leaves prematurely. While the majority of these fields have drought stress causing early senescence, a few fields have also stem canker developing