Preventing Stored Grain Insect Infestations

Estimated lsoses to stored grain from insects and mold exceeded $500 million dollars in 1990. Much of this loss could have been prevented with an integrated approach to stored grain pest management including sanitation, prevention, and regular monitoring of grain

Second Generation European Corn Borer Management

The European corn borer is a destructive pest that reduces corn yields each year in the Midwest. Larvae feed on leaves and tunnel into stalks and ear shanks. Stalk tunneling often interferes with nutrient transport and predisposes these plants to lodging. Additionally, yields may be impacted from damage to corn shanks thus leading to late-season ear drop

Scouting Adult Corn Rootworms

Corn rootworms are the number one insect pest of commercial corn producers in the cornbelt. Two species are involved in South Dakota, the northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence, and the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica vergifera LeConte

First Generation European Corn Borer Management

The European corn borer is a destructive pest of corn in the Midwest. Larvae feed on leaves and tunnel into stalks and ear shanks. Stalk tunneling often interferes with nutrient transport and predisposes these plants to lodging. Additionally, yields may be impacted form damage to corn shanks thus leading to late-season ear drop. Although the corn borer damages corn each year, it is largely ignored by many South Dakota growers

Insect Pest Management Alternatives

Managing insect pests has changed significantly since the introduction of inexpensive synthetic insecticides. Making insect management decisions is easier. Traditional methods of insect management such as crop rotation, cultural control, and use of resistant varieties are relied upon less frequently because insecticides are so effective. However, insecticide use has negative aspects such as insecticide resistance, resurgence of pest species, and harmful effects on non-target organisms. These problems as well as recent public concern over the use of synthetic chemicals in agricultural production systems are encouraging the re-evaluation of traditional methods of insect pest management

Potato Leafhopper Control in South Dakota Alfalfa

Potato leafhoppers migrate into South Dakota each year and are capable of causing extensive damage to first-year and established alfalfa stands. This pest is difficult to detect, and it often damages alfalfa before producers are aware of its presence. Potato leafhoppers can be especially damaging to newly seeded alfalfa stands

Alfalfa Weevil Control in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil, Hypera postico (Gyllenhal), is a significant pest of alfalfa in some areas of South Dakota each year. Feeding by larval stages results in reductions in yield and quality of the harvested forage. Although it generally is a problem of first-cutting alfalfa in South Dakota, regrowth of the second crop is occasionally hindered by alfalfa weevil as well