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Soybean Insects

All Soybean Insects Content

Black caterpillar feeding on green soybean leaf.

Start Scouting Fields for Thistle Caterpillar Activity

Many of our summer insect pests overwinter in the Southern U.S. and rely on wind currents to travel north in the spring and summer. The thistle caterpillar is one of those pests.

Two caterpillars feeding on soybeans. Top: Green cloverworm caterpillar. Bottom: Alfalfa caterpillar.

Soybean Defoliators Are Active

It’s that time of the season when numerous defoliating insects can be observed in a single soybean field. Most of the defoliators at this time are green cloverworms and alfalfa caterpillars.

Grain storage bin.

Steps to Prevent Stored Grain Infestations

As wheat harvest is underway it is important to ensure that grain bins are prepared in the best possible manner to prevent insect infestations. There are seven steps that can be taken to help reduce the chances of having infested grain.

Left: Black beetle with a red head on soybean leaf. Right: Green soybean leaf with small holes near the center and edges.

Monitor Soybean for Redheaded Flea Beetle Feeding

An additional soybean defoliator to monitor this week is the redheaded flea beetle. Although these beetles are typically not a serious soybean pest, large populations can result in considerable defoliation.

Small white insects with tent like wings present on a green leaf.

What Are These Small White Insects in My Soybean Field?

During the last two weeks we have received reports of increasing numbers of small white insects present on soybean. The insects in question are whiteflies.

A healthy, growing soybean field. Farmyard in the background.

Soybean Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Program

We want you! SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council are seeking South Dakota Soybean Growers willing to participate in a farmer-led on-farm research program.