Management of Bean Pod Mottle Virus Through Reduction of Bean Leaf Beetles

Abstract

<p>Since the late 1990s there have been increased reports of bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) in Iowa soybeans. Before that time, BPMV was thought to be a problem only in southern soybean growing regions. The increase in the virus is thought to be related to large increases in populations of the vector, the bean leaf beetle. The bean leaf beetle is a common soybean-feeding insect in Iowa. Growers are concerned about BPMV because it can cause reductions in yield and seed quality as well as brown-to-black mottling on the seed coat. The objective of this study was to determine whether the virus could be managed through reducing populations of the insect vector with insecticides.</p>