Garden & Yard Issues
All Garden & Yard Issues Content
Pepper Internal Rot: Disease information and research updates
A new disease has been found in South Dakota pepper plants. While plants appear healthy and produce peppers that appear normal, many peppers will have a black mold growing inside. So, what’s going on with these plants?
Tree Issue Treatments
Commonly available in pesticides for Conifer and Broadleaf disease, disorder, insect and mite treatment options.
Warm Winter Temperature Impacts on Flowering Bulbs
Warm winters underscore the importance of temperature in regulating bulb growth, as the right sequence of warm and cold periods is critical for healthy shoots and properly formed flowers.
Black Rot of Brassica Crops
Black rot is an uncommon, but devastating bacterial disease in South Dakota that can develop during extended periods of hot and wet weather, leading to rapid and widespread crop loss.
Nostoc in Lawns
Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria that form colonies in gelatinous masses. In South Dakota, it commonly appears in home lawns, notably in patches where grass is not growing, especially after periods of rain.
West Nile Virus Update: October 16, 2025
As of October 16, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health reported 86 human cases of West Nile virus from Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Corson, Douglas, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Todd, Union, Walworth, and Yankton counties.
Problems and Solutions
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Corn Rootworm Presence in Cut Flowers
Multiple cut flower farms in Eastern South Dakota have reported corn rootworms on a variety of crops, including sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias. Careful attention to species present, their timing, and the damage they cause can help inform integrated pest management strategies.
Perennial Weed Control in Lawns and Turf With Fall Herbicide Applications
Early fall is great time to control perennial weeds in lawns, including Wild violet, Creeping Bellflower, Ground Ivy, and Canada Thistle. Learn some expert tips selecting the right herbicides to manage these difficult-to-control weeds this fall.
Yellowjackets: Swarming decaying produce or garbage near you
Fall is here, and if you have a garden, fruit trees, or outdoor dumpsters, you are likely to encounter yellowjackets in search of food. Learn some expert tips to avoid getting stung this fall.