As the SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist Adam serves South Dakota stakeholders by addressing insect pest issues in field crops. He conducts applied research that focuses on corn, soybean, wheat and sunflower. Additionally, he assists the other extension entomologists to address questions pertaining to insect questions for the home and garden, urban insect pests and general entomology questions.
Adam Varenhorst
Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist
Also by Adam Varenhorst
Several Species of Caterpillars Are Actively Defoliating Soybean
There are several species of caterpillars that have recently been observed in a single soybean field. The species include the green cloverworm, cabbage looper, alfalfa, thistle, and oblique banded leaf roller caterpillars.
West Nile Virus Update: July 29, 2026
As of July 30, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West Nile Virus positive mosquito pools have been detected in Brown, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln, and Minnehaha counties in South Dakota.
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.