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Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) in Soybean

July 2, 2025

Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) is a viral pathogen that may pose a threat to soybean production, particularly where soybean is a major crop. This virus is primarily transmitted by the bean leaf beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata). The impact of BPMV on soybean is a reduction in seed size and seed mottling. Seeds that have mottling could have poor germination and may reduce grain quality, a potential concern for food grade soybean buyers.

Symptoms of BPMV

BPMV infection manifests through various symptoms that can affect the health of soybean plants. Symptoms often include a mild chlorotic mottling on the upper leaves, to puckering and a pronounced mosaic pattern on the lower leaves. Plants may exhibit delayed maturity, green stems at harvest, and seed coat mottling, which can affect the marketability of the seeds. Infected plants that are infected with BPMV and Soybean Mosaic Virus (SMV) may experience severe dwarfing, foliar distortion, and leaf necrosis, all of which contribute to yield loss.

Chlorotic mottling on soybean leaf from bean pod mottle virus. Picture courtesy of Edward Sikora, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
Figure 1. Chlorotic mottling on soybean leaf from bean pod mottle virus. Picture courtesy of Edward Sikora, Auburn University, Bugwood.org

Management Strategies

Effective management of BPMV involves a combination of cultural practices, insect control, and the use of resistant soybean products. Key strategies for management include:

  1. Insect Control: Since the bean leaf beetle is the primary vector for BPMV, managing its population is essential. This can be achieved by adding an insecticide seed treatment like imidacloprid or timely applications of labeled insecticides during the spring to target emerging and first-generation beetles.
  2. Cultural Practices: Implementing practices such as delayed planting can help reduce early-season populations of the bean leaf beetle, thereby minimizing the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, controlling alternative hosts of BPMV, such as cowpea and other bean species, can help reduce the inoculum source in the field.

By utilizing early identification, understanding the causes of the virus, and implementing effective management strategies can minimize BPMV impact on soybean production.

Nathan Falk
Channel Agronomist



Source

Giesler, L.J. Bean pod mottle virus. CROPWATCH. Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/plant-disease/soybean/bean-pod-mottle-virus/

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