An identification guide for Alfalfa Insect Pests in South Dakota
Pictorial guide for common insect pests of alfalfa in South Dakota
Content by Adam Varenhorst
Grasshoppers May Be an Issue for Winter Wheat This Fall
Large grasshopper populations have been observed in Central South Dakota. These populations have required management in other crops and should be monitored prior to and during winter wheat planting.
Huge Wasps on My Tree! No, Those Still Aren’t Murder Hornets.
Another insect that has been mistaken for the Asian giant hornet (also known by its media-popularized name of ‘murder hornet’) is the horntail wasp. Horntail wasps are wood-boring insects that are harmless to humans, as they do not have venom and cannot sting.
Monitor Soybean for Redheaded Flea Beetle Feeding
An additional soybean defoliator to monitor this week is the redheaded flea beetle. Although these beetles are typically not a serious soybean pest, large populations can result in considerable defoliation.
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is Prevented Before Planting Winter Wheat
Wheat streak mosaic disease (WSMD) is one of the important diseases in winter wheat and can lead to severe yield losses.
Bean Leaf Beetles Are Active in Soybean
We have received reports of bean leaf beetles feeding on soybean in a couple different areas of the state. Bean leaf beetles go through two generations each year in South Dakota. Adult bean leaf beetles can vary in color from brown, yellow and orange to red.
Will Dectes Stem Borers Be an Issue in 2020?
Every year, there is a risk that sunflower in South Dakota will be infested by Dectes stem borer larvae. At this point in the season, adults are active, and females have likely been laying eggs in sunflower plants.
Squash Bugs Are Active and Ready to Kill Your Plants
Squash bugs are a headache for gardeners almost every year in South Dakota. As their name implies, squash bugs feed on squash along with many other cucurbits. Injury caused by extensive feeding appears as wilting and may result in the death of infested plants.
Potato Leafhoppers in Alfalfa
Potato leafhoppers are a migratory pest that commonly impact alfalfa fields throughout South Dakota. Feeding injury caused by potato leafhoppers resembles drought stress and, if left untreated, can reduce both yield and forage quality.
Monitor Sunflower for Banded Sunflower Moth Activity
Banded sunflower moths are active in South Dakota, which means it is time to start scouting sunflowers for their eggs. Banded sunflower moth caterpillars can reduce yields and oil content by feeding on the developing florets and tunneling into developing seeds.