Content by Adam Varenhorst
An identification guide for Alfalfa Insect Pests in South Dakota
Pictorial guide for common insect pests of alfalfa in South Dakota
Grasshoppers May Be an Issue for Winter Wheat This Fall
We have recently observed large populations of grasshoppers in Southeast and Western South Dakota. Due to their destructive feeding habits, it is very important to monitor their populations 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.
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.
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.
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.
Giant Wasps Are Invading My Yard! No, They Still Aren’t Murder Hornets.
Every year we receive multiple reports of giant wasps that seem to invade yards and gardens. These wasps aren’t the same as the so-called "murder hornets," but are actually cicada killer wasps.
What Are These Small White Insects in My Soybean Field?
During the last two weeks we have received reports of increasing numbers of small white insects present on soybean. The insects in question are whiteflies.