4 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

3 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Beans, peas, cowpeas, soybeans and corn

Vegetable

• Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, P. lunatus)
• Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa )

Identification: The bean leaf beetle adult is 1/4 inch long, yellowish or reddish, with or without four black spots and two marginal stripes on the back. Despite the variability in color and pattern, the adult always has a black triangular spot at the base of the wing covers, behind the "neck".

The adult beetles eat holes in the leaves and pods of beans. They feed heavily on the seedlings and may kill or severely stunt them. The larvae feed on the roots and can cause damage by girdling the stem just below the soil line.

The adult overwinters, allowing it to severely damage seedlings. The slender white larvae live in the soil.

Peak numbers of beetles occur in late May to early June and then again in August to September. Treat seedlings if defoliation is severe. After establishment, plants can withstand moderate defoliation without suffering a loss in yield. Control even light infestations after pods form to prevent cosmetic damage from feeding scars.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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