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Millipedes May Be Responsible for Reduced Soybean Stands in 2020
When we think of millipedes, it is usually as a nuisance pest indoors. However, there have been reports in South Dakota and neighboring states of millipedes being more than just a nuisance in 2020.
Don’t Get Surprised. Start Scouting for Soybean Aphids.
Soybean aphid populations have been observed in neighboring states and in very small populations in South Dakota. It is a good reminder that soybean aphid scouting should occur throughout the growing season to prevent population outbreaks and yield loss.
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.
Know Your West Nile Virus Vectors
In some areas of South Dakota, recent precipitation has led to an increase in mosquito activity. To reduce the chances of contracting West Nile Virus, it is important to understand the behavior of the mosquitos capable of vectoring it.
Monitor Soybean and Sunflower for Alfalfa Webworm Caterpillars
In the last couple of weeks, we have received numerous reports of small green caterpillars in soybean and sunflower. The caterpillars have been described as producing webbing and moving extremely quickly when disturbed.
Slugs Causing Issues in Some South Dakota Wheat Fields
Slug activity in wheat fields has been reported in South Dakota. Although slugs are not normally an issue in South Dakota crops, they can pose a threat when field conditions are just right.
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?”