The bean leaf beetle feeds on soybean plants. In general, they have not established well in northwest Minnesota, but they have been found in late summer feeding in local fields. Larger populations to the south, from southwest MN and South Dakota, have probably given the beetles a little closer foothold to the area. Currently, adult beetles can be found in fields from Moorhead, MN and southward. Keep in mind, populations have not reached treatable levels this far north.

However, be aware of their presence and look for further updates as we monitor their activity through the MN Dept of Ag Pest Survey (Figure 1)and soybean aphid scouting activities.

For more information on bean leaf beetle, visit the Just for Growers, MN Soybean Production web site at: