Content by Graig Reicks
White Thistle Disease: Biological management at work
White thistle disease can be seen among many Canada thistle plants throughout South Dakota this growing season. Plants infected with the disease exhibit significant reductions in both growth and seed head compared with non-infected plants.
Late-Season Crabgrass Control
At the start of August, crabgrass is often prevalent in lawns. Ideally, this weed should be controlled earlier in the season, but if early management was missed, a post-emergence herbicide can help control it before it produces more seed.
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.
Absinth Wormwood Spray Window Passed: Mow now and plan to treat the regrowth in the fall
Absinth wormwood is a statewide noxious weed that inhabits cropland, pasture, rangeland, right-of-ways, and waste sites. If not effectively managed, the species can displace desirable vegetation, reduce crop yield and decrease land value.
Leafy Spurge: Do I spray now or wait until fall?
In June, leafy spurge is one of our most problematic rangeland, pasture, and roadside weeds. It is also one of South Dakota’s noxious weeds that landowners are required by law to control. So should you spray it now or wait until fall?
Thistle Species Are Budding in South Dakota
Thistles are starting to bud across South Dakota. This is a critical growth stage for management, as the plants are beginning to produce seeds and herbicides are not effective.
Perennial Sowthistle Management
Perennial sowthistle inhabits roadsides, pastures, rangelands, and croplands. It can be abundant in overgrazed, over-hayed, or over-mowed areas, as there is little desirable vegetation to compete against the weed.
Spring Dandelion Control
If dandelions are present on your property this spring, an herbicide application may be worthwhile, because it can kill above-ground growth, meaning a reduced likelihood for seed production that will worsen problem.
2,4-D (Enlist One) and Glufosinate (Liberty) Additively Control Common Weeds in South Dakota Soybean Production
Fact sheet on the experiment to determine how 2,4-D and glufosinate, when applied alone or mixed, control common weeds and affect soybean yield.
SDSU Extension welcomes new Weed Ecology Field Specialist
February 28, 2025
In his role, Reicks will provide guidance for weed management in specialty crops, pastures and rangelands, organic systems, lawns/gardens and public right-of-ways. He is based in Brookings.