By Blake Jackson
UW-Madison Extension, in partnership with the Bick Lab and UW-River Falls, will host a Soybean Gall Midge Scouting Field Day on Friday, August 7, at 2:00 p.m. in River Falls, Wisconsin.
The free educational event is designed to help agricultural professionals strengthen their knowledge of soybean gall midge, an emerging pest that poses a growing economic threat to soybean production across the Midwest.
Although soybean gall midge has not yet been detected in Wisconsin, participants will receive practical training on recognizing early signs of infestation, identifying damage, and implementing effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies before the pest becomes established.
The field day is intended for crop consultants, field scouts, soybean growers, Extension educators, and others involved in crop production. Registration is free but required.
The program begins with a welcome session and an introduction to the Soybean Gall Midge Field Guide led by Dr. Emily Bick and Dr. Erin Hodgson. Participants will then rotate through interactive field stations focused on key aspects of pest management.
Sessions include identifying adult insects and larvae for early detection, reviewing cultural, genetic, biological, and chemical management options, and learning remote diagnostic techniques to distinguish soybean gall midge injury from damage caused by other pests or plant diseases.
Dr. Brian McCornack will also provide guidance on collecting accurate field information to support diagnostic laboratories, helping improve pest identification and response efforts.
For registration, visit https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0MOiSNslNSGa5hA.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Soybeans, Education