Garden & Yard Issues
All Garden & Yard Issues Content
Black Rot & Downy Mildew: Two diseases that can rot grapes
There are several different diseases that can infect the fruit, but two of the most common are black rot and downy mildew. Their symptoms are quite different.
Root Weevils: Accidental Invaders
The latest insects to find their way inside South Dakota homes are the root weevils, a kind of beetle characterized by a distinct snout on the front of its head.
Vole Damage to Junipers & Small Trees
Vole-damaged junipers can be identified by distinct yellowing and browning shoot tips, as well as unique gnaw marks.
Phylloxera: A Grape Pest
Some grape growers may notice that some of their shoots have bumpy growths on the bottom of new leaves. These bumps are galls caused by the grape phylloxera, an aphid-like insect.
Dealing With Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are a common pest in South Dakota vegetable gardens.
Spotted Wing Fruit Fly Damaging Fruit Crops
The spotted wing fruit fly is a new pest problem that originated in Asia and was only first identified here in the United States in California in 2008. It was first seen in South Dakota in 2013.
West Nile in South Dakota: Expect Cases Into Early Fall
While it’s true that in South Dakota most West Nile Virus cases occur during August, new human infections are detected well into September in most years.
Fall Yard and Garden Cleanup
Before the snow falls, a few tasks can help make for a healthier yard and garden next year.
Ash Tree Issues
Ash flower galls are appearing on the twigs of ash throughout the state. The brown to black “balls” hang in clusters beneath the branch shoots. The galls are due to the feeding activity of the ash flower gall mite (Eriophyes fraxiniflora) and this mite only feeds on the male flowers of ash.
Aphids On Trees
Aphids are appearing on many trees at this time of year and their activity is generally noticed by the abundance of honeydew they excrete on the lower leaves and any plants or objects beneath the tree.