Content by Patrick Wagner
Potato Leafhoppers Becoming Prevalent
Potato leafhoppers are a migratory pest that impact South Dakota alfalfa each year. At this point in the growing season, they have become established and are now causing widespread issues.
Wheat Stem Sawfly Adults Observed in South Dakota
During the 2024 wheat stem sawfly survey, wheat stem sawfly adults were captured in northwestern South Dakota. Observation is used to determine areas where solid stem wheat varieties should be considered.
Monitor Crops for Grasshopper Activity
Abundant precipitation throughout much of South Dakota has resulted in less grasshopper observations. However, in areas where grasshoppers were an issue in 2023, they are starting to show up again.
Dectes Stem Borer Adults Are Active in Soybean
SDSU Extension is again surveying soybean in South Dakota for Dectes stem borer adults. After a slow start this growing season, large populations of beetles were observed in soybeans last week.
Blister Beetles Are Ramping Up
Within the past week, blister beetles have become a common appearance in South Dakota alfalfa. While we managed to avoid early infestations this year, fields should now be monitored prior to harvest for the remainder of the growing season.
Bean Leaf Beetles Are Active in South Dakota
It’s important to remember early season scouting for bean leaf beetle defoliation. At this time, overwintering bean leaf beetles reach the adult life stage, and they emerge in with an appetite.
Wet Spring Brings Surge of False Chinch Bugs
Within the past week, large populations of false chinch bugs have been reported across western South Dakota. In high numbers, these pests can pose a threat to Brassica plants.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 5, 2024
Although the degree day estimates suggest that alfalfa weevils are no longer active in the fields and should be pupating, scouting has indicated otherwise.
Don’t Forget to Scout Canola for Flea Beetles
Canola emergence is well underway and ahead of emergence at this time in 2023. There are three species of flea beetles that commonly infest canola and feed on the leaves.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 29, 2024
Most alfalfa weevil larvae that were observed this week were between the first and second instar, but it is likely that later instars are present in southern counties.