Research compiled by Bruce Potter, University of Minnesota Extension Integrated Pest Management Specialist.

The goal of this checkoff-supported project is to improve the understanding of short- and long-term changes in the insects and pathogens affecting Minnesota soybean production, their impact on soybean yields and the profitability of management practices for Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers.  

One objective of this work is continued long-term evaluation of soybean management strategies by A) Testing foliar fungicide and insecticide efficacy in a systematic way, and B) Monitoring changes in pest populations over time. The efficacy trials are underway, treatments have been applied and data is being collected. Data analysis will occur after harvest. These results will then be summarized and distributed via winter meetings and several publications. The general pest survey is continuing as the season progressed. Survey results have been included in multiple UMN Extension outlets.

A second objective is to further define the potential for soybean gall midge (SGM) damage to Minnesota soybean, and other crops by A) Conducting a host preference study to further determine the host range of the SGM and B) Continued survey to continue to determine the distribution of the soybean gall midge and its economic impact in Minnesota. The host preference study is ongoing with the results to be presented during the winter meetings and a variety of scientific publications. The most recent update for SGM can be found here.

This project continues work previously checkoff-funded by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council from 2016-2019 and the soybean gall midge objectives build on work funded by the North Central Soybean Research Program. This Minnesota SGM research will be coordinated with related research in other states and published as part of a much larger meta-analysis study.