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Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs
With much of South Dakota continuing to experience moderate-to-extreme drought conditions, black grass bugs could become a concern in some areas. Large populations of black grass bugs can cause severe damage to pasture.
Monitor Wheat for Early-Season Cutworm Activity
It's finally warming up in South Dakota, and insect activity in wheat fields will be increasing. For wheat, a couple of early-season pests that may already be active are the army cutworm and the pale western cutworm.
Check Your Bins This Spring
As it warms up this spring, don’t forget to check the bins. Grain bins work as solar heat collectors, and the grain inside of them may be much warmer than expected.
It’s Time to Scout Alfalfa for Cutworms
One of the earliest insect pests that can be found in South Dakota’s alfalfa fields are army cutworms. Injury from cutworms can sometimes be overlooked until large patches of an alfalfa field have been “cut.”
A Ban or New Rules for Chlorpyifos May Be Coming Soon
Recently, a federal appeals court gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a 60-day deadline to either ban insecticides containing chlorpyrifos or set new guidelines for its use.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 6, 2021
The cooler temperatures the last few days probably slowed down alfalfa weevils again, but everyone should be scouting fields due to the possibility of alfalfa weevil activity.
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.
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.
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.
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.