Wheat Insects

All Wheat Insects Content

A wheat stem sawfly with long antennae, smoky wings, and black and yellow coloration.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Adults Observed in South Dakota

During the 2024 wheat stem sawfly survey, wheat stem sawfly adults were captured in northwestern South Dakota. Observation is used to determine areas where solid stem wheat varieties should be considered.

Numerous nymph grasshoppers feeding on corn.

Monitor Crops for Grasshopper Activity

Abundant precipitation throughout much of South Dakota has resulted in less grasshopper observations. However, in areas where grasshoppers were an issue in 2023, they are starting to show up again.

People walk through rows of crops with nets

SDSU Extension hosting Integrated Pest Management Field School

July 08, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension will host an Integrated Pest Management Field School on July 23, 2024, by Volga.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Keep an Eye on Black Grass Bugs This Spring

In South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring pest of forage grasses. This native insect first appears in late April and May when grasses emerge from dormancy.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offices in Washington, D.C.

Organophosphate Insecticides Under Continual Review by the Environmental Protection Agency

Recent moves by the EPA to limit or prevent the use of organophosphate insecticides present challenges for growers seeking effective pest control. So, what is motivating these changes, and what do they mean for producers?

Producer loading pesticide into a sprayer tank.

Chlorpyrifos Products Can be Used in 2024 for Insect Pest Management

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys recently announced that currently registered insecticide products with the active ingredient chlorpyrifos will be legal to use on labeled crops during the 2024 growing season.

Maturing wheat field with lodged plants.

Hessian Fly Pupae Detected in Central South Dakota

Recent reports of lodged wheat in central South Dakota revealed Hessian fly pupae in the lodged plants. Learn how to identify and manage this pest before it impacts your wheat harvest.

Weeds growing in a recently harvested winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat Decisions

Winter wheat planting will soon be starting and a number of decisions will have to be made for a successful winter wheat crop, including: the time of planting, the choice of variety to be planted, disease and pest management decisions and crop insurance.

large multi-row sprayer adding chemicals to a field

Early Season Insecticide Applications in Wheat

Many wheat producers in South Dakota have adopted more intensive management practices in the last few years, including an early season application of fungicide and, in some cases, insecticide.

Row of well-maintained grain bins alongside a field.

A Few Considerations for Fall and Winter Grain Storage

Proper grain storage during fall and winter is essential to ensuring a successful harvest. Learn some expert tips for managing stored grain pests and maintaining an ideal bin environment for post-harvest grain storage.