Bean leaf beetles are hungry

In March, I predicted low overwintering mortality based on our mild winter. You may have noticed adults become active in alfalfa starting in April. Some soybean research plots around southern and central Iowa have decent numbers feeding on unifoliates. Read more about early-season management of bean leaf beetle here.

 Soybean can compensate for early-season defoliation by bean leaf beetle. Photo by Erin Hodgson (17 May 2012 near Ames, IA).

Circular-shaped defoliation on leaves is an indicator of bean leaf beetle feeding, even if you don't see the beetles. Photo by Erin Hodgson (17 May 2012 near Ames, IA).