Scouting is a critical component of integrated pest management for soybeans — you need to know which pests are present to effectively manage them. Careful scouting for pests — both harmful and beneficial — will maximize the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) and help you put effective management strategies into action.
How to integrate scouting data into your overall pest management strategy
IPM uses proactive and reactive tactics to combat disease, insects and weeds. It starts with scouting to collect information on your field conditions and pest development. Comparing your own field data from previous scouting reports with regional and national crop reports can help provide you with the clearest picture of your pest pressure.
Using historical data to gauge potential crop damage
One of the challenges of scouting is spotting symptoms of crop damage and being able to accurately connect that damage to possible causes. To that end, it’s crucial to gather prior knowledge of field conditions and management history from sources such as local weather data, soil survey maps, aerial or satellite imagery, etc.
Since crop development and pest pressure are strongly influenced by temperature and moisture levels, understanding historical and forecast weather data is key to making informed decisions.¹
Consider economic thresholds for pest management
Quantifying how close your crop is to the economic threshold can help determine which pest control measures are called for, how to select effective control methods and when to time applications for optimal control.
Growers must also recognize if pest populations are reaching economic threshold levels and be ready to implement control tactics. For example, the economic threshold for aphids in soybeans is typically considered 250 aphids per plant, with 80% of plants infested.²
Armed with data, you’ll be ready to help prevent crop damage with a comprehensive, informed IPM program. Observing thresholds and keeping records of scouting info, market pricing and more can inform your management decisions.
When should you start scouting your fields, and how often should you scout?
Start soybean scouting for pests early to inform your IPM:
- Begin scouting as soon as soybeans emerge.
- Weekly scouting is recommended.
- Take note of how pests are distributed. (Is there any pattern? Are they scattered or concentrated?)
How can beneficial insects be used as part of a pest management strategy?
When scouting for pests, do not overlook beneficial insects. Using natural enemies in addition to applying insecticides when necessary is a hallmark of IPM.
Soybean crops attract several beneficial insects, including lady bugs, assassin bugs and lacewings. By preying on soybean pests such as aphids, beneficial insects are an integral part of a successful IPM program. Using targeted insecticides like Sefina® for soybean aphid will not harm beneficial insects. Sefina insecticide will control damaging soybean aphids while allowing beneficial insects such as Asian lady beetles to devour Asian lady beetles as well.
Need more information on scouting? Experts are available to help you make your decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent, or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative.
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Endnotes
- DeDecker, James. “Integrated Pest Management Scouting in Field Crops.” Integrated Pest Management, 23 Nov. 2015, www.canr.msu.edu/resources/pest_scouting_in_field_crops_e3294. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
- “Mastering Soybean Aphid Management: Effective Scouting and Control Strategies for Optimal Crop Yield.” Farmers’ Social Network, 28 Sept. 2024, farmonaut.com/precision-farming/mastering-soybean-aphid-management-effective-scouting-and-control-strategies-for-optimal-crop-yield/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
