Content by Adam Varenhorst

Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus Detected in South Dakota Soybeans

A new soybean virus called Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) was detected in South Dakota soybean fields in Davison and Union counties. Symptomatic plants were sporadic and found along the field borders. Infected plants showed mild to moderate severity.

Protecting Your Garden From Squash Bugs

With the end of summer approaching, we are beginning to receive many reports of squash bugs appearing throughout South Dakota. These insects are a common pest in gardens from mid-summer until the first frost.

Small red maggots under your soybean plants’ epidermis? We have answers.

In 2015, we received plant samples of soybean that had small red maggots under the epidermis. Now, in 2017, we are starting to receive reports of these same insects being found under the epidermis of soybean in different parts of South Dakota.

Root Weevils & Imported Longhorned Weevils Finding Their Way Inside

We have been receiving reports of small, black insects that are observed crawling up bathroom walls, hanging out in basements, or otherwise finding their way inside.

What are Those Gigantic Flies?

As we progress later into the summer, we commonly see an increase in horse fly activity.

Earwigs: The good the bad and the ugly

With the rainfall that we have been receiving in areas of Eastern South Dakota, one of our summer nuisance insect pests is starting to show up again. We have started to receive reports regarding earwigs in and around homes near Brookings, S.D.

Wheat Stem Maggots Observed in S.D. Wheat

While scouting wheat fields throughout South Dakota, we have started noticing the presence of bleached heads scattered throughout many different fields. These discolored heads are the result of an infestation of the wheat stem maggot.

Dealing With Flea Beetles

Flea beetles are a common pest in South Dakota vegetable gardens.

First Soybean Aphid Populations Detected in South Dakota

While scouting fields this week, we observed winged (alate) soybean aphids in Southeast South Dakota.

Barley yellow dwarf developing in winter wheat.

Barley yellow dwarf is starting to develop in winter wheat. Barley yellow dwarf is caused by the Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). This disease usually becomes more distinct at flag leaf emergence. A typical symptom of Barley yellow dwarf is the purplish-yellow color of infected leaves, especially the flag leaf.