News

Researchers gaining better understanding of soybean gall midge

Researchers are gaining insights on soybean gall midge.

University of Minnesota Extension integrated pest management specialist Bruce Potter says the invasive insect seems to have some natural predators including parasitic wasps and ground beetles, and preliminary findings show a strong cold tolerance.

“So I don’t think (cold winters) are going to be anything that’s going to eliminate the insect from Minnesota.”

He tells Brownfield while soybeans and sweet clover are the crops gall midge has been found on, recent experiments indicate dry beans and lima beans could also be susceptible.

“So the host range has expanded a little bit.”

Potter says insecticides aren’t yet effective in managing soybean gall midge, but research in Nebraska suggests cultivation might limit infestations.

Gall midge is a newer pest that has been found in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota.