Spider mites the end of June or first part of July? Our hot and dry weather here in southeastern Iowa have provided favorable conditions for spider mites. Typically we do not see spider mites reaching economically damaging levels until late July or early August when conations (hot and ry) are favorable for their growth.
The last time we may remember really having an issue with spider mites was four years ago back in 2012. Somewhat cooler temperatures and rain can help take care of the problem.
Erin Hodgson recently wrote the ICM article, "Spider Mite Injury Confirmed in Soybean," which has some helpful tips on scouting and managing spider mites.
Below are some images from a soybean field in Washington County that I found spider mites in.
Additional resources on twospotted spider mites:
Early Confirmation of Twospotted Spider Mite (ICM Article, 2012)
Scout for Twospotted Spider Mites This Summer (ICM Article, 2012)
Rebecca Vittetoe Field Agronomist in EC Iowa
Rebecca Vittetoe is an extension field agronomist in east central Iowa. Educational programs are available for farmers, agribusiness, pesticide applicators, and certified crop advisors.
Areas of expertise include agronomy, field crop production and management of corn, soybeans, and...