Below is an advisory provided by Bill Shockley, Virginia Coop. Extension Ag Agent in Northampton County (southern most county on the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula). This is a traditional vegetable and potato growing county so insect pests are often different from what we find on the ‘mainland’. But Bill’s comments are insightful. And, we also have reports of some beet armyworm infestations in Virginia Beach soybean fields

From Bill Shockley: We are finding a large number of beet armyworms in young soybeans in Northampton County, Virginia. They are especially prevalent in soybean fields planted double crop after potatoes, string beans and other spring planted vegetable crops. These insects are foliage feeders and will severely damage leaves and stems of young soybean, lima bean and string beans plants. Traditional spray applications of pyrethroid insecticides have been generally ineffective in the past for controlling these pests. Labeled applications of Steward, Belt or Lannate have provided the only significant control of these insects.

We are also beginning to find generally low numbers of corn earworms in soybeans in some areas. As soybeans begin to blossom, and pod formation begins, these insects will become more of an economic problem in this crop.

It is vitally important to begin scouting for these insects at this time. The timing of chemical control applications for these pests is very important to assure maximum control and limit unnecessary production costs.