Bean Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Bean Pod Mottle Virus in Soybean: Biology, ecology, and management

Bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), is a pest of soybean found in many production areas in the United States. The bean leaf beetle larvae feed on soybean root nodules, whereas the adults feed on the above ground parts of soybean such as cotyledon, leaves, and pods. Bean leaf beetle is also a very efficient vector of Bean pod mottle virus, a widespread virus of soybean in the south and southeastern United States with recent expansion into the north central region of the country. This article summarizes bean leaf beetle biology, ecology, and its impact on soybean production in the United States. The management of this insect and Bean pod mottle virus as recommended in the north central states is also presented.