This soybean field was scouted at the R7 (beginning maturity) growth stage and intensive defoliation was observed in widespread areas across the field. This injury was confirmed by a NC State Extension Specialist as damage from Mexican Bean Beetles. Larvae and adults will feed on all parts of the plant, but injury is generally most severe on the foliage. Mexican bean beetles feed on the underside of the leaf and because of this patchy yellow and brown areas can often be visible on the tops of injured leaves. Individual plants were 25-50% defoliated and damage was present across ~50% of the site.
