Content by Connie Strunk
Aster Yellows Phytoplasma
Aster yellows is a phytoplasmal disease carried and introduced by aster leafhopper. It is known to infect over 80 different plant families, as the aster leafhopper has extremely broad feeding habits.
Corn Diseases in South Dakota Update
Several South Dakota counties have confirmed positive cases of Southern Rust and Tar Spot this growing season. See our latest recommendations for dealing with these diseases before they become a problem.
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Complex: Breaking the Green Bridge
As wheat harvest proceeds, it won’t be long until winter wheat planting is underway in South Dakota. To effectively reduce wheat streak mosaic virus, it is important to manage the green bridge effect to slow spread of disease in newly emerging wheat fields.
Are Fungicides Needed On Hail-Damaged Crops?
Recent storms brought rain, severe wind, and hail. With the hail and wind damage that occurred, many growers are wondering if a fungicide application is needed to protect their hail or wind-damaged crops.
Bean Leaf Beetles Showing Up in Soybean
Despite the prediction of low overwintering survival we have observed bean leaf beetles in soybean this week. See our latest observations and management recommendations.
Southern Rust Observed in South Dakota Corn Fields
Southern Rust was recently confirmed in South Dakota corn fields. Yield impacts from Southern Rust can be high, so scouting for the disease is highly encouraged to determine if it is present.
Tar Spot Confirmed in South Dakota
Trace amounts of tar spot were recently found in Yankton and Bon Homme counties and are thought to have originated from corn residue instead of windblown spores. This speaks to the importance of crop rotation in the management of this disease.
Keep Watch: Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is Developing in South Dakota Fields
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus has been reported in South Dakota wheat fields and is also a major wheat disease for Great Plains states in 2025. The virus is sweeping across the state and is rampant in winter wheat.
How to Use the South Dakota Mesonet Small Grains Tool
South Dakota Mesonet Small Grains Tool is an easy-to-use and efficient tool that can help identify disease risks associated with wheat leaf rust, wheat leaf spot diseases, and Fusarium head blight.
Crop Hour
SDSU Extension will deliver a series of virtual Crop Hour webinars January 7 to February 27, 2025, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST.