Foliar and stem diseases and insect pests are among the greatest threats to soybean production. Research efforts and attention have primarily focused on the health of the foliage, pods, and seeds, even though many pathogens and insects compromise the health of soybean stems. These constraints often lead to both direct yield loss and indirect losses at harvest. Our research efforts are leading to a clearer picture of the incidence and severity of stem diseases and insects. The results of our statewide detection efforts will be discussed along with a summary of the results from an“Insects and Disease” farmer survey that we conducted in 2022.

This presentation was featured at Soybean Summit on February 2, 2023.