Gall midge activity

Gall midge is a relatively new soybean pest, and reports in the northern Cornbelt indicate early infestations, especially along border rows. Adult midges are small (2-3 mm in length) and have long antennae and hairy wings. Larvae are very small and start out white, turning bright red or orange as they mature as shown in the photo. Larvae feed at the base of the plant, burrowing in and feeding inside the stem causing swollen, brown galls. Prolonged feeding can cause stems to break and plant death. No specific management guidelines have been approved but monitoring for its presence is important as infestation levels advance.