This multi-year project aims to identify insect pests responsible for reducing soybean yield and grain quality and how often control measures, including seed treatment and foliar insecticides, provide a return on investment. Insights will be used to determine threshold levels for these pests, as well as integrated management recommendations.

• There is insufficient research data about which insect pests are present in soybean fields, how they impact soybean yield, and at what infestation levels they cause economic damage.
• There has been surprisingly little research about how often commonly used pest control tools, including foliar and seed-applied insecticides, provide an economic return in Illinois.

• Farmers will gain valuable data about which insect pests are causing yield loss in Illinois soybean fields and how often insecticide applications provide a positive return on investment. Ultimately, researchers hope to refine management recommendations to make soybean farming more profitable.
• The information will help guide insect management recommendations provided by university and extension personnel.

• Dr. Nicholas Seiter, Assistant Professor & Field Crops Entomologist, UIUC
• Ashley Decker, Senior Research Specialist, UIUC

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Extension field research centers:
  • Champaign/Urbana, Monmouth, Ewing, Baylis
• Four on-farm locations are being sought for this research for the 2025 growing season. If you are interested in hosting this research on your farm, fill out the interest form at fieldadvisor.org/on-farm-trial-network, or contact Dr. Nick Seiter.

Dr. Nicholas Seiter
Assistant Professor and Field Crops Entomologist
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
812-593-4317
nseiter@illinois.edu