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Gall Midge Larvae in Soybean Stems
Gall midge larvae were observed recently in soybean stems from a field in South Dakota. These insects were found under the epidermis of the stem that was slightly above the soil line.
Bacterial Leaf Streak Developing at Low Level in Winter Wheat
A few winter wheat fields were found with bacterial leaf streak starting to develop at low levels. Bacterial leaf streak is usually observed starting from flag leaf growth stage. It can be severe on the upper leaves when there is prolonged leaf wetness resulting from frequent rains.
Woody Weeds: Tatarian Honeysuckle
Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) was brought to North America from Asia in the mid-18th century for ornamental uses. In South Dakota it was also used as a windbreak species until the 1980s.
Flea Beetles in the Garden
Flea beetles have been out in full force so far this year. This group of herbivorous beetles can be a pest of many different garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, lettuce and others.
Monitor Lawns and Gardens for Bronzed Cutworm Activity
Bronzed cutworms can be an issue for lawns and gardens in South Dakota. In grass, bronzed cutworms will feed and leave small brown circular patches. Large populations of bronzed cutworm can result in severe lawn injury.
Fusarium Head Blight Predicted Risk for Spring Wheat
Most of the spring wheat is at or will soon be at flowering. One disease that can develop in wheat at this growth stage is fusarium head blight (FHB or scab).
Winter Wheat Diseases Update
Powdery mildew, fusarium head blight and leaf rust were observed in a few winter wheat fields recently scouted. The recent rainfall showers and warm temperatures have favored these diseases to develop in winter wheat.
Start of Flowering Is the Ideal Time for White Mold Management in Soybeans
Some early planted soybeans are starting to flower (R1 growth stage). One soybean disease that needs to be managed at this growth stage is white mold.
Watch Your Squash! Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active.
Each year vine crops, including squash, zucchini and pumpkin plants, fall victim to squash vine borer larvae feeding inside their stems.
Fusarium Crown and Root Rot Observed in Oats
Some oat fields are showing plants wilting with tillers dying prematurely and heads looking bleached. Inspecting the crown and sub-crown area reveals the discoloration and rotting and sometimes a pinkish color can be observed. These are typical symptoms of Fusarium root and crown rot.