There have been only a few calls concerning soybean insect problems. Mostly what is being reported is sub-threshold infestations of stink bugs, green cloverworm, a few remaining Japanese beetles, and kudzu bugs in some areas (see previous article). As usual, we can expect things to get more active as the season progresses. Below are some things to key on. Remember that late maturing fields are generally more likley to have significant insect pests problems.

• Scout for corn earworm infestations. This is especially true for fields during the R1 – R3 stages of development as we move into August. Economic infestations, when they occur, are often primarily found in the Mississippi River Bottoms. But they can occur anywhere a moth flight is occurring. Use a threshold of 9 larvae per 25 sweeps. Products such as Belt, Prevathon, Besiege, Intrepid Edge, or Steward are good choices. Heligen, a virus product, is another good and less expensive option, but it should be applied when most larvae are relatively small.
• As soybean fields approach R5 and R5 (mid pod fill), start looking closely for adult and immature stink bugs. The treatment threshold is an average of 9 stink bugs per 25 sweeps. Recommended insecticides include Acephate/Orthene (0.5 – 1.0 lb/acre) and most pyrethroid insecticides (e.g., Brigade, Baythroid, Declare, Karate/Warrior, Mustang Max). Lean towards bifenthrin products or acephate if brown stink bugs are common.
• Keep track of defoliation levels and make necessary treatments if defoliation exceeds 20-25% from R1 – R6. Green cloverworms, loopers, fall armyworm, bean leaf beetles, and Japanese beetles are just some of the insects that may feed on leaves.

Suggested treatment thresholds and recommended insecticides are listed in UT’s Insect Control Guide for Field Crops.