Scout emerging soybeans early to assess overwintering populations of bean leaf beetles.

Planting date is important and usually influences soybean yield, but not necessarily in every environment and year.

University of Tennessee Extension warns not to make "panic and convenience sprays," as field to field variation in insect populations can be tremendous given the differences in soybean varieties.

The university has listed new thresholds for treating pests in corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat and several other crops based on new research and field tests.

Late-planted corn and soybean are likely to be more susceptible to insect infestations, which may have consequences this year and into the 2015 growing season as well.

It is difficult to even think about insects when many producers have not even had a chance to work the fields, let alone plant.

There are no major insect pests of soybean seedlings, but occasionally we do run into problems. Some folks use an insecticidal seed treatment in soybeans. While these products are effective to kill insects, they will not provide a yield benefit.

An Ohio State University expert recommends extra vigilance when scouting fields for soybean pests this summer.