Soybean Pod Worms, Stinkbugs And Fall Armyworms Remain Concerns In Southwest Missouri Farm Fields

LAMAR, MO.
   Many fields across the region were sprayed to control soybean pod worms this past week so the soybean fields, overall, are looking good according to Jay Chism, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
   “I scouting three fields south of Lamar and did not find significant insect damage at any location,” said Chism.
   However, he does continue to see brown and green stink bugs as well as immature stink bugs called nymphs.
   Stink bugs use piercing and sucking mouthparts to feed on soybean plants and pods. In Southwest Missouri, the quality of damaged seeds is usually more important that the quantity lost. 
   “Stink bug feeding causes young seeds to be deformed, undersized or even aborted. Older seeds will be discolored and shriveled,” said Chism.
   Rescue treatments are recommended when one stink bug per linear foot of row can be found. When scouting, Chism says it is also important to go beyond the field edge because stink bugs will migrate in from field edges each season.
   Fall armyworms have also been found in some forage crops Southwest Missouri. Reports of major feeding of Bermudagrass and alfalfa have come from Christian and Dallas Counties.
   Armyworm damage mimics browning caused from drought, but if you look closer you will find ragged leaves and major defoliation.
   “Scouting should be done in the early morning hours before the heat drives them into sheltered areas,” said Chism. Δ 

(Top Photo) Soybean pod worm damage

(Bottom Photo) Scarred leaves from spider mites