Soybean Insects

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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

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.

A thin brown insect with two white spots on its side hoisting a yellow insect up with its mouthparts.

Biocontrol Agents: Brown Lacewings

With so many insect pests causing concern for both gardeners and farmers, it’s important to know which ones are on our side. In this article, we focus on the brown lacewing and the beneficial role it plays within the landscape.

Multiple views of a green lacewing adult. The adult has a bright green body and large metallic eyes. The wings are translucent with green venation.

Green Lacewings: Beneficial Predators for Both Small and Large-Scale Landscapes

Many insect species are beneficial to landscapes, and some are even reared in large quantities to be released as biological control agents. In this article, we will focus on one of those insects, the green lacewing.

Bean leaf beetle feeding damage on young soybean plants.

Bean Leaf Beetles Active in South Dakota

Soybeans in South Dakota are being targeted by the overwintering population of bean leaf beetles. See our latest activity report from around the state, along with scouting and management recommendations.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 26, 2022

Many areas in South Dakota have reached peak emergence for the second generation of seed corn maggots, while others are still approaching it.

Roughly oval shaped insect with a black head and upper body, and a brown and white pattern on its wings. The insect is on a green leaf and its thin mouthpart is piercing a round, white egg.

Minute Pirate Bug: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

Learn about minute pirate bugs, beneficial insects that feed on numerous arthropod pests of both garden and agricultural crops.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 18, 2022

Degree day accumulations continue to approach the peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots. See our latest management recommendations based on this activity.