Soybean gall midge detections continue in western Iowa. As of this week, there are ten counties with infested soybean fields. These counties were previously infested with larvae. In some fields where we monitor activity a bit closer, we noticed first-generation adults were produced. These adults will move more into the field interior to find suitable plants for laying eggs.
Map created 13 July 2021 by Ashley Dean, ISU.
Likely more counties have soybean gall midge activity and now is a good time to look. Start along field edges, looking for wilted or dead plants. Use a knife to scrap the top layer of the stem off near the soil line. Let us know if you find larvae in Iowa counties not reported for 2021 yet.
Erin Hodgson Professor
Dr. Erin Hodgson started working in the Department of Entomology, now the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, at Iowa State University in 2009. She is a professor with extension and research responsibilities in corn and soybeans. She has a general background in integrated...