Content by Connie Strunk

Weed Control is a Must for Preventing Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus

Wheat streak mosaic virus is one of the most damaging viral diseases of winter wheat in the Great Plains. There are no in-season treatments that cure virus-infected wheat. Controlling volunteer wheat and grassy weeds is an important management step.

Be on the Lookout for Red Crown Rot in Soybeans

Were your soybeans turning yellow early or exhibiting symptoms that resembled severe, early Sudden Death Syndrome? If so, you could have experienced issues with a new soybean disease called Red Crown Rot.

Online Reporting of Crop Diseases for Statewide Monitoring Efforts: How You Can Get Involved

Did you know that you can become involved in disease reporting and monitoring across the state? Thanks to a new tool from the Crop Protection Network, producers, crop consultants, and homeowners can report disease sightings on a variety of crops across the state.

SDSU Extension experts win national agricultural association awards

July 30, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension experts were recognized nationally for their excellence in outreach and Extension programming.

South Dakota Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Disease: 2026 Update

Wheat streak mosaic virus is on the move across South Dakota wheat fields. Due to the mild winter and overwintering in winter wheat, viral activity has had a jump start in 2026, and the occurrence and intensity of disease pressure is comparable to the 2025 season.

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.

Tools Available for Fusarium Head Blight Prediction

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), commonly known as scab, is a major disease threat for wheat each year during the flowering growth stage. To support growers in making informed fungicide decisions, forecasting tools are available that use weather data to estimate the likelihood of scab development.

South Dakota Pesticide Container Recycling

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is again offering pesticide container recycling services across the state. View a complete list of 2026 dates and locations.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Confirmed in 2026

At the end of April, a winter wheat sample was submitted to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic displaying typical viral symptoms of chlorosis and streaking. Upon testing, this sample was determined to be positive for Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.