Soybeans were scouted at the VC (cotyledon) growth stage and round holes in the leaves were observed. Minimal damage was detected in this field.
Conclusion
This injury was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as damage from Bean Leaf Beetles. The threshold for bean leaf beetle is 30% defoliation from planting until 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.