Bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an economic pest of soybean in Ontario. Field cage studies were conducted in 2010-2011 to determine voltinism in southern Ontario and the effect of C. trifurcata feeding during soybean reproductive stages on soybean yield and quality. Thermal requirements for C. trifurcata development were determined in a laboratory study. Results of field and laboratory studies support the occurrence of one generation of C. trifurcata in southern Ontario. Pod-feeding increased with both number of beetles and soybean reproductive stage. An increase in defoliation and a reduction in seed quality were observed with increasing number of beetles. Monitoring programs for late-season pod-feeding should begin when degree days approach 500 (base 9.31°C). Economic thresholds for C. trifurcata during soybean reproductive stages range from 0.27 to 2.00 beetles per plant or 8 to 60 beetles per m of row. / Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food – University of Guelph Sustainable Production (Plants) Program and Grain Farmers of Ontario through the Farm Innovation Program.

During 2013 and 2014, studies were conducted to determine the effects of Helicoverpa zea and Spodoptera frugiperda on both damage and yield of Sorghum bicolor. Results from damage ratings suggest that the amount of damage per single larva decreases as population density increases. Also, yield results suggest that one H. zea and one S. frugiperda larva per panicle results in a 3.6 and 4 percent yield loss, respectively. Additionally, a dynamic EIL was determined using crop value along with various yield potentials and control costs. Other research studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of diamide and pyrethroid insecticides on headworms when applied at midge timing for different locations and planting dates. Results suggest that diamides provide longer and better control of headworms than do pyrethroids. However, applying diamides as a preventative application at midge timing may not be economically feasible when grain prices are low.