Farms.com Home   News

Monitor Soybean for Defoliating Insects

By Adam Varenhorst

Insects to Watch For

While scouting soybean this week I noticed quite a few defoliating insects that were present in the field. So far, the feeding injury is minimal, but it is a reminder that we need to be diligent in monitoring leaves for defoliation and fields for these insect pests.

The insects that I was noticing the most were grasshopper nymphs (Figure 1), early instar green cloverworm caterpillars (Figure 2) and thistle caterpillars (Figure 3 and Figure 4).


Figure 1. Grasshopper nymphs feeding on soybean leaves.


Figure 2. Green cloverworm caterpillar. Notice the three abdominal prolegs.


Figure 3. Rolled soybean leaves that are defoliated.


Figure 4. Thistle caterpillar on soybean.


Scouting Strategy

The easiest way to scout for these pests is to monitor fields for defilation as there are multiple pests present. For soybean, the threshold for defoliation is an average of 30% defoliation prior to flowering and an average of 20% defoliation after flowering has begun. In South Dakota, there are some soybean that have begun to flower and these fields should be monitored closely for defoliating insect pests. If defoliation threshold are reached please refer to the 2019 South Dakota Pest Management Guide: Soybeans for a list of labeled insecticides. Always refer to labels for rates.
 

Source: sdsu.edu


Trending Video

Grain Off the Rails: Transportation Update with Mark Hemmes

Video: Grain Off the Rails: Transportation Update with Mark Hemmes

Why is transportation an important topic for producers? Saskatchewan producers require a responsive and efficient grain handling and transportation system to move their crops to export position in a timely manner. Together with the Ag Transport Coalition (ATC), Sask Wheat calls for Transport Canada to explore all opportunities to ensure our supply chains function effectively. Sask Wheat and ATC also ask for federal politicians, Transport Canada and other regulatory bodies to ensure rail service providers meet the demands of the modern global economy.