Soybean Insects

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soybean pods

Best Management Practices for Soybean Production

This is your unbiased, research-based guide to soybean production to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.

All Soybean Insects Content

Hand holding a dead early-planted soybean seed.

Risks of Early Soybean Planting in South Dakota

Early soybean planting offers potential yield benefits, but it also poses some risks. Learn some expert tips and considerations for early soybean planting this growing season.

Row of well-maintained grain bins alongside a field.

A Few Considerations for Fall and Winter Grain Storage

Proper grain storage during fall and winter is essential to ensuring a successful harvest. Learn some expert tips for managing stored grain pests and maintaining an ideal bin environment for post-harvest grain storage.

Three stored grain pests. From left: Maize weevil, Angoumois grain moth, Cadelle beetle.

Common Stored Grain Insect Pests

There are several species of insects that feed on stored grain, resulting in reduced grain quality. Learn how to identify some of the most-common grain pests that can be found in South Dakota.

Crop sprayer and a bottle of chemicals in a yard.

SDSU Extension 2024 private pesticide applicator training dates set

January 12, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension’s 2024 winter and spring private pesticide applicator certification training sessions are set.

Multiple grasshoppers feeding on a corn ear.

Don’t Let Grasshoppers Decrease Your Yields

Throughout the 2023 growing season, grasshopper populations have been causing problems. Those problems aren’t over yet, and we won’t be able to stop monitoring grasshopper activity until the crops are harvested.

Black beetle with a red head on soybean leaf.

Redheaded Flea Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

Redheaded flea beetles are now active in soybean. Although they haven’t caused significant defoliation yet, their activity should be monitored, as other defoliating insects are also present in soybean.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota Soybean

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although the infestations probably won’t result in plant death in many fields in 2022, the infestations could be a source for soybean gall midge adults in 2023.

A pasture containing a mixture of grasses and alfalfa.

Grasshopper Activity Is Ramping Up

We have already observed increased grasshopper activity in many areas of the state and, depending on the 2022 season, they may become problematic in crops.

Small fly with black and white alternating bands on legs.

Soybean Gall Midge Adults Detected in South Dakota

Soybean gall midge emergence was first detected in South Dakota two weeks ago, during the week of June 13 -17, 2022. Emergence continues to be slow, with the only observations in southeast South Dakota.

Dark colored caterpillar with two distinct black lines on head capsule.

Dingy Cutworms Observed in South Dakota Crops

Dingy cutworms have been reported in South Dakota crops, and their activity is likely to continue for at least another couple of weeks.