Soybeans were scouted at the R5 growth stage and when scouted with a sweep net a high number of Garden Fleahoppers were observed.
Conclusion
This issue was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as damage from Garden Fleahoppers. Garden fleahoppers can affect an array of crops, specifically horticultural crops. However, soybeans are a host plant for garden fleahoppers. Symptoms associated with garden fleahopper damage can include pale spots on upper leaf surfaces and with large infestations chlorosis may occur. In this environment, no visible stippling was observed. Continued scouting throughout the field is recommended.