Spider mites may seem insignificant, but they can cause serious damage to your soybean plants. These tiny arachnids feed on the sap of soybean plants, leading to discoloration, stunted growth, and reduced yields. Hot and dry conditions provide an ideal environment for spider mites to thrive, making it crucial to regularly monitor your crops for signs of infestation and take immediate action to prevent their spread.
Spider mites can weaken soybean plants' ability to photosynthesize and produce energy, resulting in reduced plant vigor, stunted growth, and lower yields. Severe infestations can cause premature leaf drop, further compromising plant health and pod production. Regular monitoring and immediate action are crucial to ensure optimal plant health and maximize crop yield.
How to Identify Spider Mites
Identifying spider mites can be challenging due to their small size, but there are key characteristics to look out for. These pests are typically pale yellow or green and have eight legs, distinguishing them from other common pests.
To effectively monitor and manage spider mites, inspect the undersides of leaves for signs of their presence, including:
Tiny mites
Webbing
Yellow or white spots
Leaf discoloration
Leaf bronzing
Leaf stippling
Regions Affected by Spider Mites
Spider mites can be found in soybean-growing regions worldwide, but they are more prevalent in hot and dry climates. Regions like the Midwest in the United States, parts of Canada, and various countries in South America have experienced spider mite infestations.
Timing of Spider Mite Presence
Spider mites are most commonly observed during the late season in soybeans, typically from mid-July to early September. However, early infestations can occur and quickly escalate if not addressed promptly.
(Image Credit: Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org)
How to Manage Spider Mites
To manage spider mites in soybean fields, employ cultural practices like crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and maintaining proper plant nutrition. Biological control methods, such as introducing predatory mites or other natural enemies, can also help keep spider mite populations in check.
Our agronomists also recommend GCS Bifenthrin 2EC**. This insecticide is labeled for control of two-spotted spider mites in soybeans.
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