2018 Soybean Insect Losses in the Southern US

Estimated insect management costs and losses due to insects in soybean during the 2018 growing season were collected and compiled from 17 states to provide a record of insect pressure and management practices for the year. The estimates have been made annually in some southern states for up to 15 years, but this year was the first or second year of participation for 10 states. Participating states represented 40% of soybean acreage grown in the United States, with near 100% participation in southern states. Overall, the stink bug complex was the costliest insect pest in soybean followed by corn earworm. Total insect management costs were 13. 84 per acre, with estimated crop losses to insects at 12. 84 per acre, making the 2018 total costs plus losses 26. 67 per acre. State estimates varied widely, with insect management costs plus losses in four states averaging less than 8/ac while averaging more than 50/ac in five states. Similarly, the average number of insecticide applications per crop ranged from 0. 1 in three states to 2. 1 in Louisiana.