Many soybeans are reaching the R2-R3 stage, which means pods are starting to form and are at greater risk to stink bug damage! 
There are many species of stink bug that can negatively impact soybeans. In Ohio, the ones of concern are the green, brown, the brown marmorated stink bug. Stink bugs have piercing/sucking mouthparts are not defoliating insects. Although they can feed on many parts of the plant, they prefer to feed on the pods and developing seeds. 
Using their piercing/sucking mouthparts to poke through the pod, both nymphs (immatures) and adults of these species will feed on the developing seed. Feeding damage on the pods can cause shriveling, deformation, undersized seeds, discolorations and in severe cases pod abortion. This can not only decrease yield but can cause lower market value and prevent seed sale. This is especially important if growing soybeans for seed. 
Since the pod maintains its shape, the feeding damage is typically not noticed until harvest. Therefore, it is important to scout early and control if necessary. There are thresholds for stink bug treatment, which can be taken in a couple ways:
1. Take 10-sweep samples, with a sweep net, in 3-5 random locations within the field. If an average of 4 or more (adults and nymphs combined) stink bugs are found in the 10-sweep samples, treatment is warranted. If soybeans are being grown for seed, the threshold can be dropped to 2 or more stink bugs.
2. If walking, the threshold is 1-2 stink bugs per foot of row.
If thresholds are met, and soybeans are between R3 (pod fill) to R6 (seeds fully forming) insecticides can be effective in controlling stink bugs. If faced with this, considering adding an insecticide to your planned R3 fungicide application. By tank mixing your insecticide with products such as Revytek™ or Priaxor® Fungicides, not only will you reduce stink bug impact during key reproductive stages, but you can also maximize your yield potential this season. Talk to your BASF rep about recommendations today!
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