2017 Soybean Insect Losses in the United States

Estimated soybean insect costs and losses experienced during 2017 were collected and compiled from 16 states following the 2017 growing season to provide a record of insect pressure and management practices for the year. The estimates have been made annually in some states for up to 14 years, but nine states participated for the first time in 2017. Participating states represented 36% of United States soybean acreage, with near 100% participation in southern states. Overall, the stink bug complex was the most expensive insect pest in soybean followed by corn earworm and soybean looper. Total insect management costs were 19. 54 per acre, with estimated crop losses to insects at 13. 04 per acre, making the total costs plus losses for 2017 total 32. 58 per acre. State averages varied widely, with insect management plus losses in some northern states averaging less than 10/ac while averaging more than 75/ac in some southern states. Similarly, the average number of insecticide applications per crop ranged from 0. 02 in Wisconsin to 3. 6 in Louisiana.