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Content by Madalyn Shires

Hands holding a corn leaf with a single tar spot lesion developing.

South Dakota Tar Spot Update: September 9, 2024

Tar spot is a potentially yield-impacting disease of corn, and it was recently found in plant samples from Minnehaha and Turner counties. Learn some expert tips for scouting and managing it this season.

Color-coded map of South Dakota showing Fusarium Head Blight risk throughout the state. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Fusarium Head Blight Forecast

The warm and humid conditions prevalent in South Dakota throughout June 2024 have significantly favored Fusarium head blight disease development. As of this week, the risk for Fusarium head blight has begun to increase.

Rose rust disease symptoms on the tops and bottoms of leaves.

Rose Rust

Common rust of roses is a fungal disease that is found throughout the United States. While hot and dry summers limit the prevalence of the disease, it surfaces when weather conditions are cool and wet.

Rose leaves with dark black to purplish spots throughout.

Black Spot Disease in Roses

Black spot is a recurring fungal disease in roses that will decrease the vigor and blooms of rose plants if it is not managed. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing it in your gardens.

Phytophthora root and stem rot damage observed in a field of soybeans.

Watch Out for Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot in Soybean

Current weather conditions of continuous rainfall are saturating our fields, which is creating a favorable environment for Phytophthora root and stem rot.

Green veins are striking compared to the necrotic (brown) tissue on SDS-infected soybean.

Are You at Risk for Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean?

The present weather conditions of heavy rainfall and cool temperatures provide a favorable environment for sudden death syndrome in soybeans. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing it this growing season.

A round microscope picture of a green wheat leaf with yellow colored, stripe rust pustules throughout.

Stripe Rust Confirmed

Stripe rust has been found in winter wheat in Brookings County during recent scouting. The presence of stripe rust at this time indicates that there is potential inoculum source for this rust in our area.

Top: Field pennycress leaves and seeds. Bottom: Shepherd’s purse leaves and seeds.

Early Season Prevalence of Field Pennycress and Shepherd’s Purse

Many fields that are planted to winter wheat or have yet to be tilled may have a healthy infestation of field pennycress or shepherd’s purse. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing these weeds before they become a problem this growing season.

Canada thistle growing in a pasture.

Current State of Noxious Weed Management in South Dakota

Results of an online survey to determine how South Dakota stakeholders are currently managing noxious weeds.

Wheat leaf showing symptoms of Septoria.

Look Out For Early Season Wheat Diseases

Conditions have been favorable for disease development in South Dakota winter wheat fields, especially for Septoria. It’s important to scout fields to determine what diseases are present before deciding to apply a fungicide early in the season.