2022 Soybean Insect Losses in the United States

Estimated insect management costs and losses due to insects and other invertebrates in soybean during the 2022 growing season were collected and compiled from 18 states to provide a record of insect pressure and management practices for the year. These annual estimates provide a historical record of pest pressure and insect management and have been compiled in some states since 2004. Participating states represented 52% 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 and soybean looper. Total insect management costs were 16. 78 per acre, with estimated crop losses to insects at 15. 36 per acre, making the 2022 total costs plus losses 32. 13 per acre. An average of 0. 9 foliar insecticide applications were made over all soybeans. State estimates varied widely, with insect management costs in four states averaging less than 8/ac, while averaging more than 50/ac in two states. Similarly, the estimated yield losses from insects ranged from less than 2/ac in four states to more than 50/ac in three states.