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Adults emerge from Current Year’s Soybean in NE; Wilting and dead plants found in NE and MN
July 6th, 2026
Soybean gall midge activity continues to increase in parts of the monitoring network.
Minnesota has now documented soybean gall midge larvae, with 40–50% of plants infested along the field border at one monitoring site. Wilting and dead soybean plants have also been observed.
In Nebraska, first-generation adults have begun emerging from several monitoring sites, indicating the next generation is underway. Wilting and dead soybean plants are now present at all monitored locations, with infestations ranging from 10–90% of plants depending on the site. It is unlikely that any management at this point in the season would have any return on investment.
Now is a good time to scout soybean fields for the presence of larvae, particularly along field edges adjacent to last year's soybean fields. Once significant larval infestations are present, insecticide applications are not recommended because larvae are protected within the stem, making it difficult for insecticides to reach them effectively. To learn more about scouting, visit the Scouting tab above or use the link below:
Scouting for Soybean Gall Midge Larvae
2026 Season Notes
Adult emergence began May 29 in Nebraska and June 1 in Iowa. No adult detections in South Dakota or Minnesota.
Larvae were first detected June 8 in Lancaster County, Nebraska, June 17 in Dallas County, Iowa and June 26 in Minnehaha County, South Dakota.
Larvae are now present at all monitored sites in Nebraska and Iowa.
Wilting and dead plants were documented in Lancaster County, Nebraska on June 22 and in Minnehaha County, South Dakota on June 26, and in Rock County, Minnesota on July 2nd.
Adult emergence from current year’s soybean began on July 2nd in Otoe and Saunders County, NE.
Soybean development stages with the presence of fissures below the cotyledonary node at the V2 stage. White and orange larvae can be found in infested plants at about 5-10 days after adult activity.
Figure 2. Larvae in soybean petiole, soybean field with soybean gall midge injury, and stem infested with soybean gall midge.
Wilting and dead plants from soybean gall midge feeding in Lancaster County, NE. Photo taken on July 19th, 2024. Credit: Justin McMechan
White larvae found on soybean plants near Mead, NE on June 14th, 2023.
Photo taken by Justin McMechan.
Unmanned aerial vehicle photo of soybean gall midge injured field in Cass County, NE taken on August 26th, 2020.
Photo courtesy of Nick Tinsley (Bayer Crop Science)
White and orange larvae found on soybean near Mead, NE on June 19th, 2023
