Content by Patrick Wagner
Bumble Flower Beetles Are Here
One of the insects that starts to attract attention this time of year are the bumble flower beetles. These large and noisy beetles somewhat resemble June beetles, but they show up later in the season.
National Sunflower Association 2021 Sunflower Survey
Volunteers from private industry and SDSU Extension will soon be visiting South Dakota sunflower fields to participate in the biennial sunflower survey. The survey aims to evaluate yields and production practices along with pest pressure from weeds, insects, diseases and birds.
Best Management Practices for Sunflower Production
This is your unbiased, research-based guide to sunflower production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.
Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota
Fact sheet on Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota
Red and Gray Sunflower Seed Weevil Identification
While scouting sunflower, it’s not uncommon to observe both red and gray sunflower seed weevils on the same developing head. Differentiating these two species isn’t difficult, as there are obvious size and coloration differences.
Snailcase Bagworms in South Dakota
A unique insect that has been observed in South Dakota is the snailcase bagworm. Snailcase bagworms are wingless moths that spend their entire life in spiral-shaped “snail” cases, which they build around themselves using a combination of silk, soil particles and fecal matter.
Two-Spotted Spider Mite Populations Reaching Threshold
Drought conditions have continued and worsened in much of South Dakota during this season. As a result, two-spotted spider mite populations have been present in most fields and have recently had large population growth in soybean fields throughout the state.
Zonitis Bilineata on Sunflowers
While scouting sunflower last week we noticed beetles that were present throughout the field on the developing buds. These beetles weren’t feeding on the buds or the bracts that they were often on. So, what were they doing on the sunflowers?
Straw Itch Mites
Straw itch mites, also known as hay mites or grain mites, can be a major problem when present in hay or grain. The best way to avoid a straw itch mite infestation is to keep commodities at low moisture levels and bale straw when it is thoroughly dry.
Headclipping Weevils in Sunflower
Headclipping weevils have been active in some sunflower fields and in ornamental sunflower throughout South Dakota. Although the headclipping weevil is considered a minor pest of commercial sunflowers, it can cause a lot of problems for individuals trying to maintain sunflowers in their yards and gardens.