Syngenta stresses scouting to control soybean pests

Syngenta said Wednesday that with the warmer weather, it is encouraging growers to implement a scouting program as the first step to controlling soybean insect pests and to maximize yields and profitability.  

Syngenta said growers are beginning to see soybean aphid and Japanese beetle populations in their soybean fields, and they know the numbers of such beetles have yet to reach treatment threshold levels. For the sake of their crops, growers must monitor for these pests on a regular basis. 

Regular scouting can help growers properly manage and control insect pests that reach economic thresholds. 

Syngenta said it offers Endigo ZC insecticide for quick knockdown and effective residual control. 

“Although damage may vary, parts of the Midwest are already experiencing soybean aphid and Japanese beetle infestations,” Syngenta Insecticide Product Lead Brent Lackey said. “It’s important to consider potential losses and take the necessary preventive steps. Scouting programs are crucial for effective insect management, and now is the time to get started.”

Syngenta said the South Dakota State University Extension has noted that current soybean aphid numbers have become higher than normal. Therefore, scouting should start as of now. Growers must pay particular attention to locations with a history of insect problems. Patterns can repeat themselves.

Syngenta offered the following tips to keep in mind as insect scouting begins this season:

- Develop a plan and keep records of observations. Identifying pest patterns and cycles can help determine best treatment options.

- Scout weekly to identify the pest problem before costly damage occurs.

- Scout plants thoroughly and throughout the entire field, including field edges.

- Apply an insecticide at full rate only if pest populations reach threshold levels.

- Scout after treatment to evaluate effectiveness.

If scouting demonstrates insect populations existing at treatment thresholds, Syngenta offers Endigo ZC insecticide to combat some of the most difficult-to-control pests. Endigo ZC offers control of numerous pests including soybean aphid, Japanese beetle, stinkbugs and bean leaf beetle.