Content by Patrick Wagner

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.

Alfalfa Plant Bugs Showing Up in Abundance

There have been several insect pests showing up in alfalfa this season, including the alfalfa plant bug. We consider the above-average spring temperatures and drought-stressed plants in Eastern South Dakota to be the primary drivers of these issues.

Blister Beetles Already Appearing in Alfalfa

Large blister beetles populations were observed while scouting alfalfa this past week. While they usually aren’t an issue until after the first cutting, this early activity means growers should monitor alfalfa fields prior to harvest for the remainder of the season.

Alfalfa Weevils Are Active in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil larvae are active across South Dakota. Although they had a somewhat slower start this year, we are now observing all instars of the larvae in alfalfa fields.

Aster Leafhoppers Detected in South Dakota Wheat

Aster leafhoppers are present in wheat again this spring. For the last few years, aster leafhoppers have been a common occurrence in South Dakota wheat.