These programs related to soybean insect pests that are of emerging importance in the North Central Region. Unlike the previous submissions, we provided the funding amount for each project, allowing NCSRP board members to choose the projects they want to fund. Each of the proposed programs aims to tackle a specific insect pest in soybean to provide growers with an assessment of a management tactic, the risk of the pest in the region, an evaluation of past funding for future directions, and the delivery of research-based information through extension programming.

Soybean gall midge (Program I) emerged as a significant pest in the Midwest in 2019 and is currently found in 176 counties across 7 states (NE, IA, SD, MN, ND, MO, and KS). Growers under significant pest pressure have reported 18-31% yield losses based on average yield loss in the field. The proposed work would provide them with critical resources to time management application, as well as enhance the alert network and detection of SGM in existing and new areas through the identification of a pheromone, identifying sources of host plant resistance, and evaluating insecticide application methods based on grower reports.

Soybean tentiform leafminer (Program II) emerged as a pest of soybean in Minnesota in 2021 and has been found in North Dakota and South Dakota. Several research projects are underway to evaluate management tactics, but there is a growing need for a regional effort to determine its distribution and severity in the region. The results from the survey would provide critical information on the presence and the potential risk that this leafminer poses to soybean across the region.

The soybean aphid (Program III) remains an important pest in the Midwest, with insecticides being the primary method of control even as resistance continues to spread. Corteva is close to releasing soybean varieties with Rag genes, and it is critical to determine if these varieties would benefit from a fungicide-insecticide tank mix at R3. In addition, three different blends of Rag and susceptible soybean would be compared for differences in aphid infestation and impact on yield. The goal would be to provide growers with recommendations for incorporating Rag soybean into the north-central region.

Dectes stem borer (Program IV) has increased its presence and distribution in soybean in the Midwest over the past decade. Dry weather in the fall over the past couple of years has likely resulted in the early girdling of soybean plants, increasing the potential for lodging. There is a general lack of consensus amongst soybean farmers, crop consultants, industry, and academia on the economic losses of soybean plants that are infested but remain standing at harvest. The proposed research aims to determine what losses occur if plants are still standing at harvest and the efficacy of foliar insecticides. In addition, the use of fipronil, although it can’t be commercially applied, would provide an important benchmark for determining the efficacy of foliar applications for farmers trying to manage Dectes stem borer.

The suction trap network (Program V) has been a valuable piece of pest-monitoring infrastructure in the Midwest. Of the monitored pests, soybean thrips have become increasingly important as a vector of Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV), which can reduce seed protein and oil. SVNV can be monitored through the suction trap network using RNA sequencing of soybean thrips. This project would develop a tool to predict the occurrence and severity of SVNV in four states, providing growers with an important risk management resource and ongoing monitoring of aphids and leafhoppers. A significant amount of impactful research and extension programming has occurred over the last 20 years, in part as a result of NCSRP funding.

Program VI aims to understand the impact of entomology-related research and extension funding and generate a needs assessment for future work. Understanding the impact of previous projects is important for developing new project goals to chart a path forward.

Most important to this proposal is the extension of deliverables (Program VII) that communicate the results of each program through direct contacts and products to provide state-of-the-art pest management advice to farmers. Several high-value products are being targeted in this program, with the first regional field flipbook on soybean gall midge biology, ecology, and management, a fact sheet on soybean leafminer, and several other products if funded. Currently funded 3D printing grants through USDA, and the expansion of 3D printing to other states provide significant potential for farmers to have hands-on products to enhance their educational experience at field days and other events.

Each of the proposed programs will contribute to best management practices for pest management in soybean, and have a positive impact on a farmer’s bottom line.

Program I. Soybean Gall Midge
1.1 Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network
1.2 Host Plant Resistance
1.3 Foliar Insecticide Application Method Study

Program II. Soybean Tentiform Leafminer
2.1 Multistate Assessment of the Pest Status of Soybean Tentiform Leafminer

Program III. Soybean Aphid
3.1 Aphid Resistance: Plants and Insecticides

Program IV: Dectes Stem Borer
4.1 Multi-state foliar efficacy and yield loss assessment

Program V: Suction Trap Network
5.1 Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) Detection and Monitoring of Soybean thrips, and other Insect Pest Species of Soybean using the Suction Trap Network

Program VI: Awareness, Impact, and Needs Assessment
6.1 Awareness and impact of previously-funded entomology-related research and extension projects; and generate a needs assessment for future work.

Program VII: Extension and Outreach
7.1 Extension Deliverables

1. Soybean Gall Midge Management
Early Warning System: Timely alerts on soybean gall midge emergence to help farmers time pest control applications.
Improved Pest Detection: Identification of pheromones to enhance monitoring and early detection.
Resistant Varieties: Development and testing of soybean lines with natural resistance to gall midge, leading to better yield protection.
Optimized Insecticide Use: Research-based recommendations on the most effective insecticide application methods for managing infestations.

2. Soybean Tentiform Leafminer
Regional Risk Assessment: Multi-state monitoring to track pest distribution and severity.
Sampling Guidelines: Standardized protocols to help farmers and agronomists identify and assess leafminer infestations.

3. Soybean Aphid Resistance & Management
New Resistant Varieties: Evaluation of soybean lines with Rag genes to determine their effectiveness against aphids.
Optimized Insecticide Strategies: Data-driven recommendations for combining resistant soybean with insecticide treatments.
Insecticide Resistance Monitoring: Updates on aphid resistance trends to help farmers adjust their control strategies.

4. Awareness & Needs Assessment
Farmer Feedback Opportunities: Focus groups and surveys to ensure research addresses real-world pest management challenges.
Assessment of Past Projects: Review of previous research impacts to guide future funding toward the most effective solutions.

5. Dectes Stem Borer Management
Yield Impact Analysis: Clear data on how infestation affects harvestable yield, helping farmers decide on intervention strategies.
Insecticide Testing: Research on foliar insecticide efficacy to determine best control options.
Long-Term Management Strategies: Three-year study results to provide science-backed recommendations for controlling stem borer damage.

6. Suction Trap Network for Pest Monitoring
Soybean Disease & Pest Tracking: Ongoing monitoring of soybean thrips and Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) to detect outbreaks early.
Predictive Models for SVNV: Data-driven risk assessment tools to help farmers manage disease threats proactively.

7. Extension & Farmer Education
Field Guides & Fact Sheets: Practical resources, including a flipbook on soybean gall midge and a fact sheet on soybean leafminer.
Hands-On Learning Tools: 3D-printed models to help farmers understand pest biology and control methods.
Workshops & Presentations: Regular educational events to keep farmers informed on the latest pest management strategies.
These deliverables will provide soybean farmers with the latest research-based insights and practical tools to protect their crops and improve profitability.

Updated April 14, 2025:
1. Soybean Gall Midge (SGM) Management

A. Early Warning System & Pest Detection
• Sites for the 2025 season have been selected.
• Protocols finalized for stem burial studies, leveraging NE data and regional input.
• Alert Network expanded to a total of 630 subscribers across 8 Midwestern states and 2 Canadian provinces. Some participants are resubscribing each year, highlighting the system's continued value to their operation.
• Pheromone selection protocols established; early data supports improved adult detection potential.

B. Resistant Varieties
• NE, IA, and SD are coordinating a detailed data collection on 20 elite lines; NE will test 25 more lines in less detail. Crossing will begin this year on resistant lines to start the process of identifying resistant genes.
• An additional MN-funded project with Dr. Koch allows testing soybean lines under controlled conditions
• NE will conduct an additional semi-field study for further insights.

C. Optimized Insecticide Use
• Unified protocol set by NE, IA, and SD, with coordination ahead of full-scale data collection.
• Preliminary 2024 data shows promise.
• NE will test a drop nozzle treatment and implement hilling as a positive control.

2. Soybean Tentiform Leafminer
• Field survey protocol developed with collaborator feedback.
• Dr. Koch will lead a scouting and ID session in August prior to survey implementation.
• NE had its first detection of tentiform leafminer in Sept. of 2024 in Madison County.

3. Soybean Aphid Resistance & Management
• Experimental design and procedures complete.
• Seed procurement coordinated with Corteva for upcoming planting.

4. Awareness & Needs Assessment (Year 2 Only Project - Fall 2025 Launch)
• Planning meetings underway to designate an evaluation expert.
• An initial framework was developed for impact and needs assessment strategy, including focus group settings.

5. Dectes Stem Borer Management
• Team meetings were held to finalize experimental logistics.
• Seeds and chemicals have been secured.
• Some evaluation strategies are focusing on innovative, scalable tool for girdling risk assessment of the Dectes stem borer.

6. Suction Trap Network for Pest Monitoring
• Supplies were distributed to participants.
• Data from prior years is under analysis; the manuscript focused on thrips is in progress.
• Initial modeling efforts on aphid data have begun.

7. Extension and Outreach
• The development of a Soybean Gall Midge Field Guide is underway with assigned contributors and a structured outline.
• We plan to distribute the field guide through SRIIN and hard copy throughout the region with a focus on areas that are currently under threat.
• The annual SGM webinar (Feb 2025) drew 284 registrants, 178 live attendees, and over 40 written questions, highlighting ongoing stakeholder engagement and research interest.

View uploaded report

Updated January 31, 2026:
Progress Report on Project with Continued Year 2 Funding:

1.1 Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network: This objective will provide regional monitoring of soybean gall midge (SGM) emergence and the timing of the overwintering and first generation of the season. Enhancement of the accuracy of this system will be tested through two strategies (stem burial and pheromones). The successful identification of a pheromone would lead to a robust national tracking system for soybean gall midge. Communication of adult emergence to farmers will occur through a rapid communication system to help them with management decisions. The data will also be used to develop a model to estimate the timing of emergence in future years.
• Adult monitoring and emergence: Adult monitoring sites were established by mid-May in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota in fields planted to soybean the previous year. The first soybean gall midge detection occurred on May 30 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center. Average emergence duration from overwintering sites was 27.5 days (range: 20–40 days). Emergence of overwintering generation adults peaked in mid-June, with the current-season generation peaking in mid-July.
• Stakeholder alerts and outreach: Emergence and management alerts were distributed six times during the season to more than 650 subscribers across eight U.S. states and Canada. The soybeangallmidge.org website recorded over 2,430 unique visitors during the 2025 season.
• Overwintering studies: Five stem-burial treatments were placed in a replicated study at an eastern Nebraska site with timings of burials occurring between June and late August to determine optimal timing of burials for adult detection the following spring and the onset of overwintering.
• Chemical ecology: Adult soybean gall midge were collected and submitted to Dr. Ian Keesey for pheromone chemical analyses.

1.2 Host Plant Resistance: Accession lines from the US germplasm will be planted at a location in each state to identify any potential resistance or tolerance to soybean gall midge. These accession lines will be evaluated for the presence, absence, or abundance of larvae in the mid-reproductive stage and assessed for a plant injury score. The number of accession lines and plot size will change each year, with the analysis of a genome-wide association study of data collected each season. Elite lines will be tested with and without hilling to determine their ability to resist or withstand injury from soybean gall midge under multiple environments. Accession lines from previous years will be crossed to develop new genetic resources for testing. The genetic analysis of accession lines will be shared with industry partners to aid in the selection of resistant lines from current varieties.
• Field screening: Host plant resistance was evaluated in two complementary projects: soybean accession lines were tested in Nebraska and Minnesota, and elite lines were tested in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. In Nebraska, hilling treatments were included as a protective check.
• Controlled environment assays: Twelve soybean accessions (10 putatively resistant and 2 susceptible), selected from multi-year, multi-state field evaluations of approximately 750 PI lines, were assessed in controlled environments. Nebraska hoophouse assays in 2025 did not yield usable data; however, University of Minnesota greenhouse trials (funded by the Minnesota Soybean Council) showed resistance responses consistent with field results. Final data from Minnesota are pending.
• Hilling efficacy: Hilling treatments in Nebraska effectively protected plants, with injury scores of zero in most hilled plots. Yield differed significantly between hilled and non-hilled treatments.
• Elite line performance: One MG II line and two MG III lines were the highest-yielding entries under both hilled and non-hilled conditions, consistent with elite line performance observed in 2024.
1.3 Insecticide Application Methods Study: Several farmers from NE and IA have reported satisfactory results when applications were made at greater sprayer pressure. As a result, a controlled study with varying levels of application pressure is needed to determine if this adjustment to the application method increases efficacy against SGM.
• Insecticide application optimization: Application methods using different spray pressures did not differ significantly; however, treatments applied at 60 PSI and with drop nozzles yielded 4.3 and 3.2 bu/acre more than the untreated control, respectively.
• Yield impact of pressure: Hilling increased yield by 18.1 bu/acre compared with the untreated control, indicating substantial soybean gall midge pressure at the study site.
2. Soybean Tentiform Leafminer: Coordinated, multistate survey to determine the geographic extent of infestation of soybean fields across the North Central Region and the severity of infestation within fields. Collaborators across nine states will perform this research. Results of this survey will provide a foundation for characterizing the pest potential for STL and for the subsequent development of management strategies.
• Multi-state coordination: Ten states expressed interest in participating in a coordinated survey for soybean tentiform leafminer (STL) in soybean. A standardized survey protocol was developed collaboratively with input from partners across participating states.
• Survey implementation and detections: The survey was initiated in August across multiple states. Preliminary results indicate STL detections in soybean fields in 8 counties in Iowa; 14 counties in Nebraska (with an additional 3 counties identified outside the formal survey); 1 county in Missouri; 14 counties in Minnesota; and 6 counties in North Dakota.
• Stakeholder communication: Survey results and detections are being actively communicated to stakeholders through Extension and regional outlets, including state-specific updates and newsletters.
• Broader outreach and context: General information on STL biology, distribution, and management considerations has also been summarized and shared through national soybean research and outreach platforms (Missouri Extension News, Nebraska CropWatch, North Dakota State University Report, and NCSRP SRIN).

3. Soybean Aphid Resistance & Management: Our project will evaluate 3 different blends of aphid susceptible or Rag soybean to measure any differences in aphid infestation or impact on yield. We will also collect aphids and evaluate the presence of aphid virulent and use molecular markers to determine resistance to insecticides.
• Experimental design: Three plot types were evaluated—pure susceptible, pure resistant, and a susceptible–resistant blend in Ohio, South Dakota and North Dakota.
• Overall aphid pressure: Aphid counts were highest in pure susceptible plots and substantially lower in both blend and resistant plots across locations.
• Blend effect: Blended plots consistently reduced aphid abundance compared with pure susceptible plots.
• Refuge performance: Within blended plots, susceptible plants (10% of the stand) had higher aphid counts than resistant plants (90%), indicating the susceptible refuge was functioning as intended to reduce selection pressure for virulence.
• Data standardization: North Dakota aphid counts were originally recorded per eight plants and converted to per-plant estimates for comparison.

4. Dectes Stem Borer Management: Multistate field trials to determine if Dectes stem borer could be managed with foliar insecticide applications, and its impact on soybean.
• Study overview: Multistate field trials were conducted in Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, and Kentucky to evaluate foliar insecticide management of Dectes stem borer.
• Location effects: Yield, larval infestation, and the presence of stem entry holes varied by location.
• Larval infestation: In Illinois and Missouri, the positive control (fipronil) significantly reduced the probability of infestation. In Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and South Dakota, treatments performed similarly.
• Entry holes: In Illinois and Missouri, fipronil significantly reduced the probability of stem entry holes compared with all other treatments. In Nebraska, entry-hole presence differed among treatments, with fipronil resulting in the lowest probability, followed by Vantacor and Hero. No significant differences were detected in Kansas, Kentucky, or South Dakota.
• Yield response: Yield responses were generally limited and location dependent. No significant yield differences among treatments were observed in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky or Nebraska. In South Dakota, fipronil resulted in the highest yield, although it did not differ significantly from the untreated control.

5. Suction Trap Network (STN) for Pest Monitoring: Evaluate the ability of the STN to predict SVNV occurrence in the field. We will do so by comparing the abundance of soybean thrips and their Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV)-carrier status in the suction traps with SVNV incidence in soybean fields near the suction trap locations in 4 states (IL, IA, KS, and KY). Our ultimate goal is to develop a tool to predict the occurrence and severity of this disease, providing a risk management resource for soybean farmers in the North Central region. In addition, continue monitoring the abundance and distribution of aphids, leafhoppers, and other insect pests using the STN, which will allow us to better identify and predict pest outbreaks
• Surveillance framework: Soybean thrips and Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) were monitored throughout the 2025 season to support early outbreak detection and inform predictive, data-driven risk assessments for growers.
• Suction Trap Network operations: The American Midwest Suction Trap Network operated from May 16 to October 17, 2025, across 10 states and 27 locations, supported by farmers, Extension, and research collaborators; 594 samples were collected, processed, and archived.
• Thrips population dynamics: Preliminary results identified two major peaks in soybean thrips activity—early to mid-August (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky) and late September onward (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska)—with generally low activity in Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
• Data access and integration: Soybean thrips data were curated and made publicly available through collaboration with the University of Georgia and the Southern IPM Center via the Suction Trap Network platform.
• SVNV screening: Approximately 480 soybean leaf samples collected weekly or biweekly from June 20 to September 12, 2025, across five states were screened using dot blot immunobinding assays; the highest number of positives occurred in Princeton, Kentucky, from August samples.
• Ongoing analysis and dissemination: Additional analyses are underway and will be synthesized with prior years’ data for peer-reviewed publication, Extension reports, and stakeholder outreach.

6. Awareness & Needs Assessment: Our survey approach will break down into two subsections: Part One will assess the impact of previous soybean commodity funding related to insect pest management, by 2) surveying growers about their level of awareness of previous project outputs, and 2) assessing whether these products were useful to them and changed behavior in terms of insect pest management.
• Objective only requested funding for year 2.
• Objective-lead, Dr. Erin Hodgson met with ISU survey time, and additional meetings are being set up to determine the venues for obtaining data.

7. Extension & Farmer Education: Develop new extension deliverables with funds dedicated both to printing/production and salary for an extension coordinator to gather information from team members and create the products. Hard-copy products are free to stakeholders. In addition, all products will also be made available electronically on the Soybean Research and Information Network and on state outreach websites. The first (Year 1) deliverable will be a field flip book on identification, biology, and management of soybean gall midge, based on extensive research on this emerging pest funded by NCSRP. Deliverables in future years, if funded, will be determined each year as we see what types of products will work best with the results. Some ideas include a pest alert fact sheet on soybean tentiform leafminer, 3-D digital models of insects for educational programs, and an extension guide on soybean defoliators.
• Flagship Extension product: A nationally published 32-page flipbook/pocket field guide on soybean gall midge was developed through the North Central Soybean Research Program with input from The Ohio State University, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serves as a key Extension deliverable for grower and educator use across the Midwest.
o 7,500 copies were printed and are ready for distribution, along with a digital PDF file.
• Regional SGM Webinar: The annual SGM regional webinar is set for March 19th from 9 -11 am, with advertising and alerts going out in early February on presentations from three states. Last year’s webinar had over 180 live participants and more than 40 questions during the two-hour research update.

View uploaded report

This project is designed to help farmers protect their soybean crops from emerging insect pests, ensuring higher yields and greater profitability. By funding targeted research, farmers will gain access to better pest management strategies, improved risk assessments, and practical recommendations based on real-world data.

Soybean gall midge has the potential to cause 31% yield losses on a whole field basis in affected areas. Our research will provide farmers with better detection tools, optimized insecticide application methods, and insights into resistant soybean varieties. Similarly, efforts to track and manage soybean tentiform leafminer will help farmers stay ahead of potential threats and reduce crop damage. With soybean aphids continuing to develop resistance to insecticides, our study will test new Rag soybean varieties to determine their effectiveness and provide farmers with recommendations for maximizing protection. Dectes stem borer is also expanding its range, and our research will clarify its economic impact while testing effective management strategies to prevent lodging and yield loss. Farmers will also benefit from an expanded pest-monitoring network that tracks threats like soybean thrips, which spread Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV), affecting seed quality. By developing predictive tools, we aim to give farmers early warnings and proactive management options.

Additionally, this proposal will evaluate past research investments to ensure future funding is directed toward the most effective solutions. A key part of this effort is an extension program that will provide farmers with the latest pest control insights through flipbooks, fact sheets, and hands-on 3D-printed educational tools. Ultimately, these programs are designed to improve pest management, increase soybean productivity, and boost farm profitability.