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Sideview of cut zucchini showing a small white caterpillar with a black head.

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.

Four green caterpillars feeding on kale.

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.

A bee pollinating a flower.

Pollinators Party

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

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 14, 2020

The alfalfa weevil is a major spring insect pest of South Dakota alfalfa. Before 2018, this insect was reported as having large populations throughout much of South Dakota. However, during 2018 and 2019, we received fewer reports of alfalfa weevils, which may have been a result of the cooler and wetter spring conditions that were observed.

A stand of field peas mixed with small grains being grown for forage.

Peas Offer Options in 2020

Current events have made decisions around crop options very difficult this spring. Field peas are an option that may have a fit for some producers.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 20, 2020

During the last week, the colder weather that we experienced across South Dakota resulted in very little degree day accumulation. However, in some areas enough degree days have accumulated to potentially lead to adult activity within alfalfa fields.

A green tractor pulling a fertilizer wagon through a field of alfalfa.

Fertilizing Forages in South Dakota

Spring is a busy time for South Dakota farmers and ranchers with planting, calving, and other field preparations. Soil sampling and fertilizing pastures, alfalfa, or other forages might be overlooked.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 27, 2020

It is finally warming up across much of South Dakota and that means the degree days are beginning to accumulate more rapidly. Alfalfa weevil activity is likely in areas around Rapid City, Hot Springs, Cottonwood, Mission, Pierre, Winner and Vermillion.

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

2020 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

Although bean leaf beetles won’t be emerging for a while yet, it is important to be prepared for potential early season defoliation. Once soybean are planted and begin emerging, the overwintering population of bean leaf beetle adults will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on the seedlings.

A small black bug with tan margins on the wings. This insect is resting on a blade of grass that is green with white spots.

Black Grass Bug Activity Expected in Coming Weeks

Spring green-up is the time to be watching for black grass bug activity. Large populations of this early-season pest can cause severe damage to pasture (up to 90% forage reduction) and infest the edges of wheat fields.