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Steam Canning
Steam canning is a quick and simple method of preserving produce using steam. While steam canning was previously not an evidence-based practice, recent research indicates steam canning may be a safe home food preservation method for canning naturally acidified foods.
Canning Jams and Jellies
Sweet fruit products like jelly, jam, preserves, conserves and marmalades are jellied or thickened and preserved by sugar. The differences between the fruit products are categorized by the way they are prepared, proportions of fruit, pectin, acid and sugar in the mixture and the method of cooking.
Check Alfalfa for Blister Beetle Activity
Blister beetles are becoming more common as we progress through the growing season. Recently, there have been multiple reports of blister beetles showing up in alfalfa fields.
Start Scouting Fields for Thistle Caterpillar Activity
Many of our summer insect pests overwinter in the Southern U.S. and rely on wind currents to travel north in the spring and summer. The thistle caterpillar is one of those pests.
Snails Observed in South Dakota Sunflower
Last week we received reports of snail populations causing issues in South Dakota sunflower fields. Snails are normally not an issue in South Dakota crops but like their slug relatives, they can pose a threat to crops when field conditions are just right.
Grasshoppers Are Causing Concerns in Close-to-Harvest Winter Wheat
During the end of last week, we received reports of grasshoppers feeding on winter wheat that was close to being ready to harvest. One of the questions with the report was, “What insecticide can be sprayed that won’t delay harvest?”
Monitor Livestock, Pets and Yourself for Eye Gnat Activity
While being outside this week, I noticed a lot of small gnats flying around my legs and really bothering my dogs. I caught a few and identified them as eye gnats. Although this pest is considered a nuisance in most cases, it is capable of transmitting diseases and pathogens.
Soybean Defoliators Are Active
It’s that time of the season when numerous defoliating insects can be observed in a single soybean field. Most of the defoliators at this time are green cloverworms and alfalfa caterpillars.
Squash Vine Borers Strike Again: This Time They’re in the Produce!
The larvae of the squash vine borer can wreak havoc on squash plants by boring into the stems and slowly killing the plants. Unfortunately, they’ll do even more than that. They will also invade the developing produce.
Imported Cabbage Worms Are Chewing up My Garden!
One of the worst things to observe in your garden are caterpillars heavily defoliating your plants. But unfortunately, that’s exactly what the imported cabbageworms (cabbage white) caterpillars do.