Everything about this year seems to be earlier than normal. Many soybeans are being planted now and for many producers, this is the earliest that they have ever planted soybeans. It is a good feeling once you are finished planting and decide to let Mother Nature take over but don’t forget to check those soybean fields as they begin to emerge for Bean Leaf Beetle. Be aware of the fact that Bean Leaf Beetle can attack those first emerging young seedlings early in the year and may cause a lot of damage in a short period of time. The Bean Leaf Beetle body may be either a red, yellow, green or a light color cast with some darker black spots or few to no spots on their body. A good identifier for them, spots or no spots, is that they have a real defined dark triangle shape where their wings join their body. See pictures below for a refresher on what Bean Leaf Beetles look like. Contact your local Hoegemeyer Agronomist or District Sales Manager if you have questions.
[picture credit: Iowa State University and University of Nebr.]