D3098: The impact of soil moisture on soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima Gagné) adult emergence

Soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima Gagné) is a significant pest affecting soybean crops in the Midwestern United States. Infestation begins in late spring when fissures form at the base of soybean stems where adult females lay their eggs. The larvae cause extensive damage, leading to plant death and substantial yield losses in cases of severe infestation. Despite its economic impact, limited knowledge exists regarding the biology, ecology, and management of soybean gall midge. Therefore, established management practices are limited. Current research aims to address these gaps. Studies on other Resseliella species suggest that environmental factors such as humidity, soil temperature, and precipitation influence adult emergence patterns and population dynamics. This study investigated the impact of soil moisture on soybean gall midge emergence. An experimental setup was established with soil moisture levels set at 0%, 25%, 45%, and 90%. Larvae collected from infested soybean stems were placed into containers with these varying soil moisture levels. The containers were monitored to assess the duration until adult emergence, the total number of adults emerged, and the overall duration of the emergence period. Studying soybean gall midge in a controlled environment addresses many challenges associated with field research by enabling precise control over experimental conditions. The findings from this study will provide essential information on moisture management, a critical factor for developing a successful soybean gall midge colony. This knowledge will be a valuable addition to integrated pest management strategies, offering another tool to mitigate the impact of this pest on soybean crops.