Southern Illinois experienced planting delays this spring due to excessive rainfall, which pushed field activities into late May and early June. Despite these challenges, soybeans are currently at the R2 (full bloom) growth stage, and the corn that was planted has also reached reproductive stages. One field I scouted showed significant defoliation caused by insect pressure from bean leaf beetle, Dectes stem borer, and striped blister beetle, all of which can continue to impact soybean growth and development if not properly managed. At the R2 stage, the defoliation threshold for bean leaf beetle is 15–20%, and for blister beetle, it is 15%. At these levels, an insecticide application is warranted to prevent economic yield loss.

Dry and hot (mid 80s to 90s).

The water has been turned off in southern Illinois, as the heavy, consistent precipitation from this spring came to a halt in June. This area received its first bit of rainfall since then, managing to catch between 0.1 and 0.4 inches this week. A little bit is better than nothing!