Content by Patrick Wagner
Blister Beetles Are Active in South Dakota Alfalfa
Blister beetles have been spotted in several alfalfa fields in South Dakota, which means it’s time to start scouting to determine how many are present.
Soybean Gall Midge Adults Detected in South Dakota
Soybean gall midge emergence was first detected in South Dakota two weeks ago, during the week of June 13 -17, 2022. Emergence continues to be slow, with the only observations in southeast South Dakota.
Fly Control
On today’s episode of Cattle HQ, former Cow/Calf Field Specialists, Olivia Amundson and Kiernan Brandt sit down with Patrick Wagner, SDSU Extension Entomology Field Specialist and Joseph Armstrong University of Minnesota Extension Cattle Production Systems specialist to talk about pest and parasite management in livestock, more specifically dealing with flies.
Tiger Beetles: Beneficial Predators and Ecosystem Health Indicators
Tiger beetles are generalist predators, meaning they prey on a wide variety of pests. Observing them in a landscape is a great sign that an ecosystem is healthy and supporting a diversity of both prey and predators.
Biocontrol Agents: Brown Lacewings
With so many insect pests causing concern for both gardeners and farmers, it’s important to know which ones are on our side. In this article, we focus on the brown lacewing and the beneficial role it plays within the landscape.
What’s Causing the Tiny Holes on My Tomato Leaves?
Flea beetles are once again causing issues for gardeners across South Dakota. These herbivorous beetles can be a pest of many different garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash and lettuce.
Flying Gems: Long-Legged Flies
Whether scouting for pests in crops or in a garden, chances are you’ve encountered a long-legged fly. These insects provide essential biocontrol of many insect pests and should be encouraged in the landscape.
Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: June 10, 2022
Although gardening is well underway in South Dakota, squash vine borers should not be an issue for at least another week. See our latest activity estimates based on conditions around the state.
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 9, 2022
In some areas of South Dakota, we have reached enough degree days that common stalk borer caterpillars will begin moving into corn from weedy hosts along the edges of fields.
Green Lacewings: Beneficial Predators for Both Small and Large-Scale Landscapes
Many insect species are beneficial to landscapes, and some are even reared in large quantities to be released as biological control agents. In this article, we will focus on one of those insects, the green lacewing.