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Content by Amanda Bachmann

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.

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.

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.

Rows of empty white, plastic pesticide containers.

2023 Pesticide Container Recycling

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is again offering pesticide container recycling services across the state. View a complete list of 2023 dates and locations.

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.

Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, hairy stem with pink flower.

Soybean Aphids Are Active in South Dakota

Small populations of soybean aphids were recently identified while scouting soybean in the Volga and South Shore areas. This is a good reminder that scouting should be ongoing to ensure that populations do not exceed thresholds.

Eight green beetles in the top portion of the image and seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom portion of the image.

Corn Rootworm Adults Are Emerging in South Dakota

It’s that time of the year when corn rootworms begin emerging in South Dakota. Learn some expert tips for monitoring populations in corn fields to determine if management is necessary.

White wheat head on an otherwise green plant.

Wheat Stem Maggots Observed in South Dakota Wheat

When scouting wheat, the presence of bleached heads is often the result of feeding activity by wheat stem maggots. Learn some expert tips for identifying this pest and recognizing its activity in wheat.

Bird cherry oat aphids, English grain aphids, Greenbugs.

Aphids in South Dakota Wheat

Recent wheat scouting revealed low populations of aphids in eastern South Dakota, and some larger populations in Western fields. Learn how to identify, scout, and manage aphids before they impact wheat yields.

Several small, light colored grasshopper nymphs feeding on green leaves plants. The leaves of the plants have small holes in them.

Grasshoppers Causing Headaches in South Dakota Gardens

Grasshopper populations are causing extensive defoliation around yards and gardens in our region this summer. Learn some important considerations for scouting populations and applying insecticides if needed.