Database Research SummariesEvaluating soybean aphid management with an expanded toolbox
Research Focus
The focus of this project is to increase the understanding of soybean identification, scouting and management recommendations. Implementation of these tactics will lead to better crop protection and ultimately higher profits on the farm.
Objectives
- Use replicated plots to compare seed- and foliar-applied insecticides.
- Collect intense data on soybean aphid seasonal exposure.
- Compare insecticide performance to host plant resistance.
- Present unbiased data from multiple industry companies.
Results
- The following recommendations were made based off of the results:
- Strongly consider using host plant resistance if soybean aphid populations are persistent and the seed agronomic traits are appropriate for the area. The use of a pyramided gene will result in lower CAD and reduce the need for foliar insecticides.
- Plant early if the field is in an area with persistent soybean aphid populations.
- Scout for soybean aphid, especially during R1–R5, and use a foliar insecticide if aphids exceed the economic threshold of 250 per plant.
- Use a product labeled for soybean aphid; most well-timed applications of foliar insecticides will provide yield protection if applied at the economic threshold and coverage is sufficient.
- Evaluate foliar insecticide efficacy three days after application to ensure soybean aphid populations were sufficiently reduced.
Importance
- This data will improve general pest management approaches, including the effect of multiple pests and the potential for cumulative injury.
- Provide information that will make one become aware and understand the benefits of host plant resistance for soybean aphid.
- Increase adoption of host plant resistance on commercial farms.
- Improve profit margins by reducing input costs.
For more information about this research project, please visit the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database.
Funded in part by the soybean checkoff.
