Soybean Insects

soybean gall midge larva

2020 Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network

May 20, 2020
In 2019, an alert network was established to monitor soybean gall midge adult emergence using cages across 27 sites in four states. Growers and consultants can sign up to receive emergence information alerts to aid in the timing of insecticide applications.

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Process for sampling soybean leaves to assess defoliation

Management of Defoliating Insects in Nebraska Soybeans

January 16, 2020
Many defoliating insects may be found in Nebraska soybeans. Estimating defoliation levels in fields is the best way to decide whether it will pay to treat for these insects.

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Painted Lady caterpillar

It Pays To Scout: A Tale of Three Soybean Fields

July 29, 2019
These three on-farm examples show the importance of scouting individual soybean fields to assess damage, insect growth stage, and the potential need for treating thistle caterpillars.

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Painted lady butterfly
Figure 1. Painted lady butterly (Photo by Jim Kalisch)

Painted Lady Butterflies Are Abundant In Many Areas—What Now?

July 10, 2019
Treatment is not recommended for the painted lady butterfly currently being seen in high numbers and could endanger beneficial insects. Treatment thresholds offer guidance for treating feeding caterpillars.

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Soybean gall midge larvae inside a soybean stem
Soybean gall midge larvae inside a soybean stem

Soybean Gall Midge: Management Window Changing for Nebraska Growers

June 26, 2019
Soybean gall midge larvae found feeding within soybean plants in east central Nebraska mean foliar applications will likely no longer be effective. In northeast Nebraska, however, they may still be effective for a short time.

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Soybean Gall Midge Emergence Update in Nebraska

June 21, 2019
Soybean gall midge numbers continue to increase at a number of monitoring sites in the state.

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Figure 1. Male soybean gall midge (left) and female soybean gall midge (right). Female has a point abdomen due to its ovipositor whereas males have a clasping organ at the end of the abdomen. Males are of no threat to this year’s soybean crop.
Figure 1. Male soybean gall midge (left) and female soybean gall midge (right). Female has a point abdomen due to its ovipositor whereas males have a clasping organ at the end of the abdomen. Males are of no threat to this year’s soybean crop.

Soybean Gall Midge Emergence Continues in Nebraska

June 18, 2019
Emergence of soybean gall midge continues to increase in eastern Nebraska. Traps are being monitored daily and will be reported to allow growers to plan insecticide application for highest efficacy. (June 18, 2019)

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Thistle caterpillar

Thistle Caterpillars In Soybean

June 12, 2019
The painted lady butterfly has been observed in eastern Nebraska for about a month and recently there have been reports of its immature stage, the thistle caterpillar, in soybeans.

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