Bean Leaf Beetle Damage
scouted May 3, 2023
- Background
- Soybeans were scouted at the V2/V3 growth stage and round holes in the leaves were observed. These were soybeans in research plots planted in late March.
- Conclusion
- This injury was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as damage from Bean Leaf Beetles. When using planting dates before mid-April, we often encountered higher bean leaf beetle pressure. The threshold for bean leaf beetle is 30% defoliation from planting to two weeks prior to blooming (R1) and 15% defoliation two weeks prior to blooming until the pods have filled (R7-R8). This level of defoliation was not observed at this environment.
- Resources
