Content by Philip Rozeboom

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

Grasshoppers May Cause Problems for Winter Wheat During Fall 2023

As winter winter begins emerging, it is important to monitor field edges for grasshopper activity and feeding injury. This is especially true in areas where large populations have been observed throughout the summer.

Brown slug on a green leaf leaving behind a whitish trail of slime.

Slugs: The Slimy Defoliators

Have you noticed defoliation in your garden accompanied by distinct trails on plant leaves? The culprit could be slugs, a common pest that can be found during during cool, wet weather and in certain garden micro-climates.

Absinth wormwood growing in a field.

Absinth Wormwood Control in the Fall

Absinth wormwood is a difficult-to-control, noxious weed in South Dakota. Now is the time to consider fall applications for absinth wormwood control.

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.