Evaluate fields for emerging soybean gall midge

Soybean gall midge adults have been detected in east-central Nebraska, marking the beginning of the 2025 emergence period and signaling risk for soybean fields.

Soybean growth stage is a critical factor in susceptibility of soybean to the midge.

Emerging in the spring from last year’s soybean fields, soybean gall midge adults lay eggs in fissures of new soybean plant stems.

Growers with a history of soybean gall midge pressure may consider applying a foliar insecticide. A checklist can help growers decide whether insecticide will benefit their field:

=Soybean gall midge adults have emerged in my area.

=My soybean field is at the V2 stage or greater.

=I observed soybean gall midge injury in the adjacent field last year.

First identified in 2019, soybean gall midge has continued to cause significant injury to soybean in seven Midwest states as management of this pest has proven difficult.

Foliar sprays have shown some response but are inconsistent between locations and years. No specific foliar-applied product tested to date has provided consistent control of the pest. Research to date suggests that growers can consider using a combination product that contains a pyrethroid.

If an application is being considered, it should only be made in soybean fields with a history of soybean gall midge injury.