Corn Insects

Steps to Prevent Stored Grain Infestations

As fall harvest is approaching it is important to ensure that grain bins are prepared in the best possible manner to prevent insect infestations.

Small Black Beetles Infesting the Tips of Corn: What you should know

There has been a recent increase in small, black beetles infesting the tips of corn ears and often being found in damaged kernels. There are three species of beetles, often referred to collectively as sap beetles, that can be found feeding on corn.

Crops

During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.

Aphid Populations Observed in South Dakota Corn Fields

During the last week, we have observed low level aphid populations in corn fields. Although aphid populations can reach high densities in corn, their presence doesn’t indicate guaranteed yield loss.

Monitor Your Corn for Corn Rootworm Adults to Inform Management for Next Year and to Avoid Substantial Silk Feeding

Corn rootworm adults are active across South Dakota, and as a reminder, it’s a good time to scout to determine if your fields have a rootworm issue.

Corn

Nearly one out of every three dollars generated by South Dakota agriculture starts in a corn field. Two of every three rows of corn become ethanol.

Large Grasshopper Nymph Populations Detected in Southeast South Dakota

This week we received several reports of large grasshopper populations originating from southeast South Dakota. The populations were well above threshold and actively defoliating crops.

European Corn Borer Caterpillars Are Active: Scout your conventional corn

European corn borer caterpillars have been observed in conventional corn at several locations. Indicators for presence of are a line of straight holes in the upper leaves that is often referred to as shot-hole injury.

Various Grasshopper Species Are Active Across South Dakota

While scouting, we have noticed increased grasshopper nymph activity and in some areas these populations are close to threshold levels. Crops in areas that have had high populations should be regularly scouted to ensure that extensive defoliation doesn’t go unnoticed.

Common Stalk Borer Identification and Management

Common stalk borer caterpillars typically only infest the first few rows of corn adjacent to a road-ditch or waterway. However, if weedy alternative hosts are removed early and the caterpillars are left unmanaged, they can reduce stands and leave the end rows looking rough.