Penn State Reports Low Pest Pressure in Soybean Fields

By Blake Jackson

Penn State Extension's Soybean Sentinel Plot Program continues to monitor soybean fields across Pennsylvania, with the latest scouting reports showing generally low insect and disease pressure.

According to John Tooker, Professor of Entomology at Penn State Extension, soybean fields surveyed in five counties and spanning growth stages R3 through R6 have experienced only minor pest and disease activity so far this season.

Funded by the Pennsylvania Soybean Promotion Board, the program involves Extension educators regularly scouting soybean fields in approximately 20 counties to track insect pests and plant diseases.

The goal is to provide growers with timely information about pest activity and encourage field-specific Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decisions.

Scouts identified bean leaf beetles, grasshoppers, Japanese beetles, stink bugs, soybean aphids, and silver-spotted skipper caterpillars as the most common insect pests. However, populations remained low, with most reports receiving the lowest severity rating.

Disease levels were also minimal. The most frequently observed diseases included Septoria brown spot, downy mildew, soybean mosaic virus, white mold, and isolated cases of sudden death syndrome. Most disease findings were reported at very low severity levels.

Among the surveyed counties, Lebanon County recorded the greatest wildlife pressure, with deer damage receiving a moderate severity rating. Groundhog activity was also noted in several locations.

Researchers emphasized that growers should continue scouting their own fields because pest and disease levels can vary significantly by location.

While statewide reports provide an overview of current conditions, management decisions should be based on field-specific observations and economic thresholds.

Overall, the latest reports indicate that Pennsylvania soybean crops remain in relatively good condition, with limited pest and disease concerns as the growing season progresses toward harvest.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-gilaxia