Content by Stephen Robertson
Did Malathion Effectively Manage Your Red Sunflower Seed Weevils?
Now that the August 31 deadline for the application of products containing malathion for red sunflower seed weevil management has passed, it is time to determine if the product was effective. South Dakota State University entomologists have received varying reports on this topic.
West Nile Virus Update: September 3, 2025
As of August, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West Nile Virus positive mosquito pools have been detected in Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln, and Minnehaha counties.
South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Testing
New commercial pesticide applicators and those that have allowed their licenses to lapse must pass commercial pesticide applicator exams to receive certification. Learn about some some helpful resources, contacts, and tips to help you be successful in your certification testing.
EPA Proposes a Decision to Approve Registration for Dicamba Labeling to Be Applied to Tolerant Soybean
Dicamba products previously labeled for overtop application to tolerant soybean are not registered for use during the 2025 growing season. However, the EPA has proposed to re-register these dicamba products for use in tolerant soybean starting in 2026.
Update on Chlorpyrifos Use in South Dakota
As of June 30, 2025, the labeled uses for chlorpyrifos products for food and feed are limited to alfalfa, soybean, and wheat in South Dakota. Chlorpyrifos can no longer be used to treat sunflowers.
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?
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.
Malathion receives special local needs approval to treat red sunflower seed weevils in South Dakota from July 15 to August 31, 2025
The request was submitted and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency due to the large populations of red sunflower seed weevil present in South Dakota that are resistant to pyrethroid insecticides.
Private Applicator Endorsements for M-44 Devices, Fumigants, and Aerial Applications
Recent changes to South Dakota private applicator pesticide regulations have impacted the requirements to use M-44 predator-control devices, fumigants, and to apply pesticides from aerial vehicles.
Managing Waste Pesticides: Restricted Use Pesticides
While pesticides are intended only to impact pests, they can have negative consequences on unintended targets, such as humans and wildlife, if not handled properly. Learn what steps you need to take to safely dispose of unused pesticides and comply with regulations.