Soybean gall midge emerging pest in the Midwest

Kristen Sindelar
Aug 10, 2023
Aug 10, 2023

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Hail damage can form entry points for soybean gall midge along the entire plant, as shown by Justin McMechan, extension specialist with UNL. He is standing in a plot where UNL students simulated hail with a machine.

Submitted photo

The University of Minnesota has dissected predator beetles to determine what preys on soybean gall midge. Student Sarah Lisak explains how they are assessing the beetle’s digestive tract with molecular tools.

Submitted photo

Soybean gall midge has infected 158 counties as of June 27. Their peak emergence is yet to come in August and September.

Image from soybeangallmidge.org

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Kristen Sindelar

Some insects have a lot of gall, especially those that think they can just homestead in a farmer’s crop. The soybean gall midge makes itself right at home, laying eggs in the stems of soybeans and literally sucking the life out of the plant.

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.