D3054: Tillage effects on soybean gall midge overwintering populations

The discovery of soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), as a significant economic pest of soybean in the Midwest in 2018 prompted research on various in-season management tactics (i.e., cultural, mechanical, chemical, etc.) to mitigate significant yield losses. This field project will evaluate if tillage, which is performed outside of the growing season, can reduce the severity of soybean gall midge infestations and minimize the need for in-season management. The research objective compared the use of two tillage treatments on a commercial farm to reduce overwintering survivorship of soybean gall midge larvae. We used emergence traps to monitor for adult emergence in June and July 2021. Results and management implications will be discussed.