Soybeans were scouted at the late R5 growth stage and when scouted with a sweep net, adult brown stink bugs were observed to be at threshold. These were soybeans in research plots planted in April.
Conclusion
This issue was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as damage from Brown Stink Bugs. Stink bugs have piercing mouth parts and feed on tender terminals, blooms, pods, and developing seeds within pods. In this environment, adults had reached threshold. Brown stink bugs can be controlled with acephate and pyrethroid insecticides. Continued scouting throughout the field and along the edges is recommended as well.