Nebraska Reports Soybean Gall Midge Detection

By Scout Nelson

Soybean gall midge emergence has started in parts of Nebraska and Iowa, marking the beginning of an important monitoring period for soybean producers. Early detections indicate that the pest is becoming active in some locations, although overall emergence remains limited across the region.

Justin McMechan, Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist, reports that soybean gall midge activity is beginning to increase in several monitored areas. The first emergence of the season was observed on May 29 near Talmage in Otoe County, Nebraska. In Iowa, the first adult soybean gall midge was detected on June 2 near Dexter in Dallas County. Additional emergence was recorded at two monitoring sites in northern Lancaster County, Nebraska, where one adult was collected at each location on June 1. No adult emergence has been detected in South Dakota or Minnesota at this time.

Monitoring sites across Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota continue to track pest activity. Current reports show only a few locations with adult emergence, while many monitored areas remain free of activity.

Producers should pay close attention to soybean growth stages when evaluating risk. Depending on planting dates, some soybean fields may not yet have reached the V2 growth stage. This stage is important because stem fissures begin to develop, making soybean plants more vulnerable to soybean gall midge infestation.

Before deciding on an insecticide application, growers should consider several factors. Fields located next to soybean fields that experienced soybean gall midge injury during the previous year may face greater risk. Producers should also confirm that soybean plants have reached the V2 growth stage and verify that adult emergence is occurring in their area through monitoring updates and alerts.

If treatment is needed, products containing a pyrethroid active ingredient may be used. Applications generally focus on the first 60 to 100 feet along field edges adjacent to fields where injury occurred during the previous season. However, foliar insecticide performance has varied across locations and years.

Monitoring efforts will continue throughout the season. Producers are encouraged to stay informed through the Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network and regularly scout fields to help manage potential infestations effectively.

Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic