–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth — Field Crops
Many soybeans have been planted recently and seem to be doing really well under good growing conditions. Most (if not all) fields with germinated beans have a few bean leaf beetle adults feeding on them (see pic 6). However, seedling soybeans can withstand considerable defoliation, especially under these good growing conditions, without any adverse effect. These adults usually cause round or oval holes in leaves (see pic 7) but it takes approximately 6-8 beetles/row foot to justify a rescue insecticide application. These adults will feed a little on leaf tissue then start depositing eggs around the base of soybean plants where the larvae feed for 2-3 weeks.
Picture 6 Bean leaf beetle adult
Picture 7 Soybean leaves with round or oval holes from Bean leaf beetle feeding
(All Photos by Cody Wyckoff)