Master corn and soybean insect ID

By Andi Anderson

Insect presence is inevitable in farm fields, and being able to identify them is crucial for effective pest management.

The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Extension, and GROWMARK have collaborated to offer a new, free online course titled "Identification of Agriculturally Important Insects for Corn and Soybean."

The course, available at Learn @ Illinois Extension, is self-paced and designed for anyone involved in agriculture or interested in insect identification. It starts with the basics, teaching participants about insect morphology and providing tips for identifying common pest species in Midwest corn and soybean fields. There is also a section dedicated to identifying look-a-like species.

“Being able to properly identify an insect at various corn and soybean growth stages can increase the crop’s chance for survival and overall profitability,” says Nick Seiter, course co-author, ACES assistant professor, and Extension specialist. “Not all insects found in a field will be quantifiable or become harmful to that crop.”

The course offers an immersive learning experience with 3D model insects that can be rotated to view different angles and specific identifying characteristics.

Pop-up annotation cards provide additional facts and tips, while short quizzes help check learning progress. These interactive tools are designed to enhance understanding and mimic the experience of observing live insects.

“We’re excited to offer this course to increase awareness and build the skills and confidence needed to increase proper integrated pest management techniques across today’s crop fields,” says Talon Becker, Extension commercial agriculture specialist.

Participants can access the course at go.illinois.edu/FieldInsectID. A Learn @ Illinois Extension account is required, which can be created by clicking the course name on the website or the Log In button, followed by selecting Create an Account. The course is also available in Spanish at go.illinois.edu/IDinsectocampo.

The course provides continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers. Completing the course offers a QR code for the Certified Crop Adviser app, granting 3.0 CEUs in pest management.

This new course is a valuable resource for enhancing skills in identifying and managing insect pests in corn and soybean fields, ultimately supporting farmer profitability and sustainable farming practices.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013