Bean Leaf Beetle Present

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.

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