Content by Philip Rozeboom

Red sunflower seed weevil adult.

Malathion: Emergency crisis exemption for red sunflower seed weevil in South Dakota from Aug. 16-31

An emergency crisis exemption for Malathion has been approved for red sunflower seed weevil control in sunflowers in South Dakota from August 16-31, 2023. Learn everything you need to know before applying it to sunflower crops before the deadline.

Yellow toadflax in the reproductive-flowering stage.

Yellow Toadflax Control

Yellow toadflax is a short-lived perennial plant that infests pasture and rangeland. If not controlled, it can displace native plant species and increase the potential for soil erosion. Learn some tactics for managing it.

Long, sharp bracts on a flowering female Palmer amaranth plant.

Palmer Amaranth Infestations Have Been Reported in South Dakota

Recent reports of Palmer amaranth infestations are concerning due to its aggressive growth, seed production, and resistance to multiple herbicide groups. Learn some management tactics to help control it before it becomes a serious problem.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevils Emerging in South Dakota

Red sunflower seed weevil adults are emerging in South Dakota and some have been observed in sunflower fields. Learn how to scout and manage this pest before it impacts your sunflowers.

Common ragweed and kochia growing along a road ditch.

Late-Season Weed Management

At this time during the growing season, many herbicides cannot be applied to crops in the reproductive growth stage. However, weed management can still be implemented. Learn some expert tips for controlling late-season weeds.

Corn silks with a beetle on them.

Redheaded Flea Beetles Clipping Corn Silks

While scouting corn last week, we noticed populations of redheaded flea beetles. These defoliators were removing leaf tissue, but the bigger issue with redheaded flea beetles is that they feed on corn silks as well.

Yellow wheat field with green weeds throughout.

At-Harvest and Post-Harvest Weed Management Tactics in Wheat

Many pre and postemergence herbicides did not adequately control weeds during the 2023 growing season due to early dry and hot conditions. Despite the poor control, there are still options to implement at-harvest and post-harvest to help manage weeds.

Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, soybean stem with pink flower.

Soybean Aphids Are Active in South Dakota

Small populations of soybean aphids were recently identified while scouting soybean in the Volga and South Shore areas. This is a good reminder that scouting should be ongoing to ensure that populations do not exceed thresholds.

Eight green beetles in the top portion of the image and seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom portion of the image.

Corn Rootworm Adults Are Emerging in South Dakota

It’s that time of the year when corn rootworms begin emerging in South Dakota. Learn some expert tips for monitoring populations in corn fields to determine if management is necessary.

White wheat head on an otherwise green plant.

Wheat Stem Maggots Observed in South Dakota Wheat

When scouting wheat, the presence of bleached heads is often the result of feeding activity by wheat stem maggots. Learn some expert tips for identifying this pest and recognizing its activity in wheat.