Research update on host plant resistance for soybean aphid

The availability of host plant resistance to soybean aphid could be an attractive tool to soybean producers throughout the North Central Region (Hodgson et al. 2009). The implementation of host plant resistance in a soybean IPM (integrated pest management) program would be an ideal step forward in reducing insecticide usage. However, we still need to gather “real world” data in how these resistant varieties perform throughout Iowa. Fundamental plant properties such as pod number, seed number, seed size and ultimate yield potential are all being evaluated by agronomists, but to what degree resistant plants will respond to soybean aphid still needs to be demonstrated in Iowa. Foliar insecticides have proven to be the most cost-effective method of soybean aphid control (Johnson et al. 2009), and therefore product comparisons are of interest to growers, extension personnel and members of industry

Landscape summary of aphid suction trapping network since 2005

The invasion of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, into the North Central Region has changed soybean, Glycine max (L.), production practices. In addition, growers are noticing persisting aphid populations in corn, Zea mays L., too. A combination of aphid species are likely to develop on corn, including corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), and bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.). Developing accurate management recommendations for aphids is difficult because of the complicated life cycle

A new chemistry for managing soybean aphid

Since the arrival of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, to North America, entomologists have generated considerable research to effectively protect yield in soybean, Glycine max (L.). Population dynamics of this relatively new pest have been erratic between fields and among years, and timely insecticide applications must be used to prevent severe economic loss