Content by Madalyn Shires
Volunteer Wheat and Kochia Management With Herbicides Will Likely Require Two Passes
Wheat curl mites, which carry wheat streak mosaic virus, use volunteer wheat and grass weeds as secondary hosts to infest recently planted winter wheat crops. Therefore, effective management of these plants before winter wheat planting is critical.
X-Disease in Chokecherries
X-disease is the name given to a set of diseases caused by a strain of the bacteria “Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni” that primarily affects stone fruits. Infected plants will typically display yellowing or reddening of their leaves by mid summer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Powdery Mildew Presence in Your Garden: How to identify and prevent it
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that targets a wide range of hosts. It is important to identify its presence as soon as possible to slow its spread and prevent irreversible damage.
How to Properly Launder Pesticide Contaminated Clothing
Many types of personal protective equipment are intended for single use only and should be discarded after use, but how do you wash reusable equipment and clothing contaminated with pesticide residue?
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.
Pesticide Personal Protective Equipment: Glove Selection
Safety gloves are one of the most-important pieces of pesticide personal protective equipment. Glove material is very important, as not all materials provide the same protection for different pesticide ingredients.