Bean Leaf Beetles are Moving to Soybean

Abstract

<p>In March, I predicted <a href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0312hodgsonsisson.htm">low overwintering mortality</a> of bean leaf beetles based on our mild winter. You may have noticed adults became active in alfalfa starting in April. They are strongly attracted to soybean and will slowly move as plants emerge this month. The adults fly short distances (less than 167 feet on average) and infestations can be highly aggregated. Some research plots around southern and central Iowa have decent numbers feeding on unifoliates.</p>