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Drought Conditions Continue to Deteriorate Across South Dakota
April 06, 2021
South Dakotans’ apprehension of an impending drought has been growing.
2021 South Dakota Pest Management Guides Now Available
February 04, 2021
SDSU Extension has released the 2021 South Dakota Pest Management Guides.
Flea Beetles Already Active In Gardens
It may seem early, but flea beetles are already active in gardens in South Dakota. Adult beetles feed on leaves and stems, and their feeding will leave behind a multitude of small, irregular holes or pits.
Do You Have Grubs in Your Lawn?
We’ve had quite a few calls about dead patches in lawns this spring, which could be a sign of grub activity. If areas of your lawn are not greening up or appear to be dying, it is important to scout to determine if grubs are present.
Fairy Rings in Lawns
Seeing greener grass in circular pattern in your lawn? This is not due to uneven fertilizer application, but rather due to a fungi feeding on decomposing matter and releasing nitrogen in the affected areas.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 13, 2021
Although last week was warmer, we still didn’t accumulate a lot of degree days for alfalfa weevils. However, the upcoming forecast looks more favorable for alfalfa growth and alfalfa weevil development.
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 13, 2021
The upcoming weather forecast looks warmer than the last few weeks, and that means we will begin to accumulate degree days for the common stalk borer at an increased rate.
Alfalfa Weevils Are Active, and It’s Time to Scout
Scouting and managing alfalfa weevils when they reach the determined thresholds can prevent yield loss and encourage healthy regrowth of infested alfalfa stands.
Small Aphid Populations Observed in Wheat
This week we received the first report of aphids in wheat for the 2021 season. The populations won’t be increasing rapidly until the daily temperatures warm up, but it is still a good idea to scout fields and determine if aphids are present.
Scout for Tan Spot in Winter Wheat
Tan spot was observed in a few winter wheat fields scouted recently. It is important to scout winter wheat for tan spot and other early diseases developing before deciding to apply an early-season fungicide tank mixed with herbicide.