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Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 6, 2021

We are beginning to accumulate degree days a little faster for common stalk borers. Eggs will be hatching through much of the state, and we will continue to monitor activity as the season progresses.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 8, 2021

As the temperatures begin to warm up around South Dakota, it is important to remember that some insect pests are accumulating degree days. One of the insect pests that we use degree day models to monitor is the alfalfa weevil.

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

2021 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

Bean leaf beetle emergence is approaching, and it’s important to start thinking about this pest. Once soybean begin emerging, overwintering adult beetle populations will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on seedlings.

Tractor spraying pre-emergent herbicide in a bare field.

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.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 15, 2021

Due to the cooler temperatures, we didn’t accumulate a lot of degree days for alfalfa weevils during the last week. However, there are some areas in South Dakota where alfalfa weevils may be active.

Dirt patch in the center of a pasture caused by white grub feeding

Do You Have True White Grubs in Your Pasture or Rangeland?

Grub damage to pastures and rangeland is often observed in South Dakota. From past observations, some of the heaviest infestations in the state are located near the Missouri River.

Adult twospotted spider mites crawling on webbing that is attached to a leaf.

Dry Conditions Could Lead to Early Twospotted Spider Mite Infestations

Although it isn’t an insect, the twospotted spider mite is an occasional pest of crops in South Dakota, and its populations can rapidly increase during dry conditions.

Field pea cover crop blend growing in a field of corn residue.

Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops After Corn Silage

As cover crop usage has increased in recent years, managing weeds through a longer residual herbicide program has become more complicated. Learn some considerations for cover crops following corn silage.

Cover crops growing in a field of wheat stuble.

Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops After Wheat

Increased use of cover crops following major crops brings up questions of herbicide effects on cover crop establishment and rotation restrictions. Learn some considerations for cover crops following wheat.

Several ears of sweet corn on a table.

Weed Control in Sweet Corn

When growing sweet corn on a large scale, weed control can be challenging, and certain steps need to be taken before choosing an herbicide.