Content by Patrick Wagner

West Nile Virus Update: July 2, 2026

On June 15, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health released a press release that the first West Nile Virus positive pool of mosquitos was detected in Brown County. Although much of the state is still experiencing drought, recent heavy rains will promote already active mosquito populations.

Alfalfa Should Be Scouted for Presence of the Palestriped Flea Beetle

Palestriped flea beetles have recently been observed in alfalfa fields in South Dakota. Large populations of palestriped flea beetles can cause rapid defoliation and stunt seedling alfalfa.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Active in South Dakota

Soybean gall midge larvae are active in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. The first symptoms of an infestation during this part of the season vary based on the size of the population within the plant.

Bean Leaf Beetles, a Vector of Bean Pod Mottle Virus, May Be Active in Soybean

Although we are predicting low overwintering survival of bean leaf beetles this year in South Dakota, scouting for this pest should still be conducted, as every year we still observe populations in soybean.

Keep an Eye Out for Cut Soybean Plants: A Sign of Dingy Cutworm Presence

Dingy cutworms have been observed in South Dakota no-till soybean fields. Their activity will likely continue for at least another couple of weeks.

Drought Stress in Wheat Leads to Increased Banks Grass Mite Activity

There have been reports of large populations of Banks grass mites in South Dakota wheat fields. Banks grass mite populations are more successful during hot, dry weather that also increases the susceptibility of wheat due to it being drought stressed.

Early Season Soybean Infested by False Chinch Bug

At the end of last week, we received several reports of false chinch bugs attacking seedling to early vegetative stage soybean in South Dakota. In these cases very large populations were present on seedling soybeans as well as the ground around them.

Various Grasshopper Species Are Active Across South Dakota

While scouting, we have noticed increased grasshopper nymph activity and in some areas these populations are close to threshold levels. Crops in areas that have had high populations should be regularly scouted to ensure that extensive defoliation doesn’t go unnoticed.

Aphid Populations Detected in Wheat

Aphids are present in South Dakota wheat fields, and that means it’s time to start scouting.

Pea Aphid Alert: Forecasted temperatures could result in rapid population increases

The temperatures during the last week and the forecasted temperatures for next week will potentially encourage rapid pea aphid population growth. Although many fields have been cut recently, pea aphids can still readily recolonize alfalfa.