Content by Adam Varenhorst
Black Grass Bug Activity Ramping Up
Black grass bugs feed on fresh green growth, which can result in stunted plants and decreased forage quality. Monitoring and potential management of black grass bugs will be of increased importance this spring, especially if drought persists.
South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2025
In 2025, it is likely that grasshopper populations will once again reach levels capable of causing issues in some areas of the state. Scouting should begin shortly after planting in areas where they were problematic in 2024 and continue throughout the growing season.
Spring is here, and so are the ticks!
As spring continues to bloom, more arthropods will begin to emerge from winter dormancy. Ticks are among the first to appear, and statewide reports have already been flowing in.
Identification and management of common cocklebur
Fact sheet to help identify and manage common cocklebur.
Identification and management of common ragweed and giant ragweed
Fact sheet to help identify and manage common ragweed and giant ragweed.
Current State of Row Crop Weed Management in South Dakota
Results of an online survey to determine how South Dakota stakeholders are currently managing row crop weeds.
Sunflower Moths Causing Problems
While scouting late-planted sunflowers two weeks ago, there were increased observations of sunflower moth caterpillars in the heads that were later than the rest of the field. Sunflower moths are best managed as moths or early instar larvae.
Management Recommendations for Soybean Aphids
In many fields across eastern South Dakota soybean aphid populations have reached economic thresholds, and there have been a lot of questions regarding the best approach to managing the 2024 outbreak.
Sunflower Moths Observed in South Dakota
Sunflower moths have been observed in South Dakota sunflower fields this week. Sunflower heads are most susceptible to damage caused by the sunflower moth caterpillars from the onset of flowering to when the ray petals begin drying.
It’s Time to Scout for Soybean Aphids
Small populations of soybean aphids were observed this week while scouting. Early scouting will ensure that populations do not rapidly increase and exceed the recommended economic threshold.